Center for Healthy Aging

08/21/2026

Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to give up on the garden!

When temperatures climb, a few changes can help protect both you and your plants. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends watering early in the morning, applying water close to the soil where plants need it, keeping weeds under control so they aren’t competing for moisture, and avoiding pruning during extreme heat when plants are already stressed.

And don’t forget about the gardener! Take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, and pay attention to signs that the heat may be getting to you, including headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, or excessive sweating.

A little planning can help you continue enjoying your garden safely, even during the hottest days of summer.

Read more hot-weather gardening tips:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-hot-weather

What do above-average temperatures mean for how we manage our gardens?

08/20/2026

Looking for a way to earn some extra money while helping your community?

Washoe County is looking for election workers to help at voting locations during the upcoming election. These are paid positions, with several different roles available.

Election workers help with everything from checking in voters and providing assistance to setting up voting equipment and keeping polling locations running smoothly.

It’s a great opportunity to meet people, learn more about how our local elections work, and play an important role in our community.

Interested? Learn more about the positions, requirements, and how to apply through Washoe County:
https://www.washoecounty.gov/voters/work/index.php

Registrar of Voters Results Dashboard Register to Vote Voting Election Workers Student Election Workers Elected Officials Contact Us Registrar Data Observation About Us Home Registrar of Voters Election Workers Election Workers Apply to be a Poll Worker Become a Poll Worker in Washoe County Election...

08/19/2026

Can the way we think affect the way we age?

In his latest article, Center for Healthy Aging founder Dr. Larry Weiss explores the power of positive thinking and the role our outlook can play in our well-being as we grow older.

Research suggests that positive emotions and attitudes can help broaden our perspective, strengthen relationships, build confidence, and support our mental and physical well-being. Dr. Weiss also offers a simple exercise: when you’re feeling discouraged, take inventory of the things working in your favor instead of focusing only on the obstacles in front of you.

Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges. It means recognizing our strengths, possibilities, and reasons for hope even when those challenges are real.

As Dr. Weiss reminds us, developing that sense of confidence can help us do something at the heart of our mission: add life to years.

Read “The Power of Positive Thinking”:
https://addinglifetoyears.com/power-of-positive-thinking/

08/18/2026

Getting older has its perks. Literally!

Birthdays are worth celebrating, and a little free food, coffee, dessert, or other birthday treat can make the day even sweeter.

AARP’s The Girlfriend rounded up 50 birthday freebies available from restaurants, retailers, and other businesses. Many simply require joining a free rewards program or signing up in advance, so it pays to do a little planning before your big day.

After all, adding life to years should include celebrating every one of them!

Check out the list and see which birthday freebies you can claim:
https://girlfriend.aarp.org/money/saving/50-freebies-for-your-birthday/

And tell us: what's the best birthday freebie you’ve ever received?

Celebrate your day with free treats, desserts, beauty perks and more from top brands. Most require a rewards signup so plan ahead and indulge.

08/17/2026

The Nevada Division of Social Services is encouraging residents who lost food in power outages due to the Bug and Stallion Fires to apply for replacement food. Details: https://www.kolotv.com/.../snap-recipients-who-lost-food.../

The Nevada Division of Social Services is encouraging residents who lost food in power outages due to the Bug and Stallion Fires to apply for replacement food. Details: https://www.kolotv.com/2026/08/17/snap-recipients-who-lost-food-bugstallion-fires-encouraged-request-replacements/

08/17/2026

“The trouble is, when a number—your age—becomes your identity, you’ve given away your power to choose your future.”
—Richard J. Leider

Your age tells us how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. It doesn’t tell us what you’re capable of, what you have to contribute, what you can learn, or what your next chapter can look like.

Growing older can bring new opportunities, new relationships, new interests, and new ways to use a lifetime of knowledge and experience. There is no expiration date on setting a goal, trying something new, making a difference, or simply finding more joy in everyday life.

At the Center for Healthy Aging, we believe in looking beyond the number and focusing on what really matters: adding life to years.

08/14/2026

Healthy aging isn't just about adding years to life. It's about adding life to your years. By staying physically active, keeping your mind engaged, maintaining social connections, and choosing a positive outlook, you can continue to live a meaningful, rewarding life at every age.

In this article, Dr. Larry Weiss shares practical ways to embrace positive, healthy aging and challenge the stereotypes that too often surround growing older.

Read more: https://addinglifetoyears.com/positive-healthy-aging/

08/13/2026

Can a change in the weather really trigger a headache?

If you’ve ever felt a headache coming on when a storm rolls in or the weather suddenly changes, you’re not imagining the connection. Changes in barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and other weather conditions may trigger headaches or migraines for some people.

This AARP article explores why weather changes may affect headaches, who may be more susceptible, and steps that can help you recognize and manage your triggers.

One helpful strategy is to keep track of when headaches occur and what the weather was doing at the time. Identifying patterns can give you useful information to discuss with your healthcare provider and help you plan ahead when conditions change.

Read more from AARP:
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/weather-barometric-pressure-headaches/

Shifts in barometric pressure can bring on headaches for many adults, especially those prone to migraines, but there are steps you can take to prevent or manage the pain.

08/13/2026

Are you looking for a garden party?

We’ve got our hands full with peak season upon us, and these tasty fruits and vegetables could use some extra hands for pluckin!

This past week we harvested a whopping 500 lbs from the fields! Thanks to help from volunteers we were able to distribute to 6 community partners, including 200 lbs going to support relief efforts for our neighbors displaced by these devastating wildfires.

It really takes a village to ensure the wellbeing of our community —especially in a crisis— and we couldn’t have mobilized to do this amazing food work without the help of folks like you. Please join us in keeping this momentum going, we hope to see you at the farm this week!

No need to RSVP, show up when you can, leave when you need to. Bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for working outside in the NV desert. All volunteers go home with farm fresh produce as a thank you!

08/13/2026

Here's where you can find up-to-date information on the fires.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUG/STALLION FIRES
Conditions can change quickly. Stay informed and follow official sources for the latest updates.

Fire Updates:
• InciWeb.Wildfire.gov
• Facebook.com/BugFredStallionFires2026

Evacuation Map:
• PerimeterMap.com

Resources, Donations, General Questions, Shelter & Lodging Information:
• EmergencyWashoe.com
• Call 3-1-1

Fire Information:
• (775) 800-7244
• Staff available daily from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Stay alert, follow official instructions, and be prepared for changing conditions.
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INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE SOBRE LOS INCENDIOS BUG/STALLION

Las condiciones pueden cambiar rápidamente. Manténgase informado y consulte las fuentes oficiales para conocer las últimas actualizaciones.

Actualizaciones de los incendios:
• InciWeb.Wildfire.gov
• Facebook.com/BugFredStallionFires2026

Mapa de evacuación:
• PerimeterMap.com

Recursos, donaciones, preguntas generales, información sobre refugios y alojamiento:
• EmergencyWashoe.com
• Llame al 3-1-1

Información sobre los incendios:
• (775) 800-7244
• Personal disponible diariamente de 8:00 a. m. a 8:00 p. m.

Manténgase alerta, siga las instrucciones oficiales y prepárese para posibles cambios en las condiciones.