AgeSmart

09/02/2026

Check out this great virtual event by our partners up north!

Did you know that HIV is an aging issue? Thanks to medical advances, more people are aging with HIV and living long, healthy lives.

Join Thrive with Pride by AgeOptions, Silver Wellness Advocacy Group, and AIDS Foundation Chicago for a National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day panel featuring storytellers who are living this experience firsthand.

Friday, September 18
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Via Zoom, pre-registration required

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mSdLjtoxTtSzCkL_14IxuA

Questions can be directed to Nina Orlowski at [email protected].

09/02/2026

A retired teacher we know started struggling two years after her husband passed. Nobody at her pharmacy, her doctor's office, or her bridge club thought to ask if she was okay. They just thought she seemed different since the funeral.

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Substance use in later life often hides behind grief, chronic pain, or an empty house, and it gets written off as "just getting older."

If you're worried about someone, or about yourself, AgeSmart can help you find the next step. No judgment. Just help.

Send this to someone who might need to see it today.

09/01/2026

Somewhere between the last popsicle and the first Halloween candy display, your loved one's routine fell apart and nobody sent you the memo.

This week, take 10 minutes for a fall reset: medication times, upcoming appointments, anything that's shifted since summer. Not a full audit, just enough that flu season doesn't catch you off guard.

Save this post now, thank yourself in October.

08/31/2026

The heat is on! And because of the Excessive Heat Warning in our community the Healthy Habits Trail Challenge Walk scheduled for this Wednesday is being rescheduled for September 16 at 6:00 PM.

We'll be gearing up for Fall Prevention Week, so be sure to join Recovery Through Movement LLC, Helping Hands Living Solutions, O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, and AgeSmart for a great walk, light snacks, and shoe checks all designed to help you stay On Solid Ground!

Illinois Falls Prevention Coalition

08/31/2026

Overdose doesn't only touch young people. It touches families of every age, including the older adults and caregivers in our own community.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we've lost and stand with everyone still affected by the ripple effects of substance use and loss. Older adults face unique risks, including medication misuse, isolation, and grief that often goes unspoken.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma are essential steps toward prevention and healing — for the person struggling and for the family trying to support them without knowing where to turn.
AgeSmart stands with our community today in promoting health, safety, and compassion for all, no matter what someone is going through.

If you or someone you love is affected by substance use, you don't have to navigate it alone — reach out, and we can help point you toward the right support.

08/30/2026

Caregiving gives constantly. Today's a reminder that you're allowed to receive something too.

Join us for Coffee with Caregivers on September 2nd at 9 AM at Coffeehouse Company — a relaxed, judgment-free gathering where you can connect with others who understand exactly what caregiving asks of you.

This isn't a class or a lecture. It's simply space to share what's been going on, swap a tip that's actually worked, or just sit with people who won't need you to explain why you're tired.

Self-care isn't indulgent. It's part of what makes it possible to keep showing up for the people who depend on you.

Come as you are, and come alone or bring a fellow caregiver who needs this too.

Will we see you there? Let us know in the comments.

08/29/2026

September is right around the corner, and we're already planning ways to help you stay connected, informed, and supported.
Looking ahead, we've got new programs, caregiver events, and community resources in the works — all designed to support healthy, independent aging for you and the people you care about. Whether you're looking for a support group, a class, or just information about what's available near you, we want to make sure you know your options.

Call 618-222-2561 or visit our website for details as September approaches, and don't hesitate to reach out if there's something specific you're hoping to find.

We're here to help you live your best life and stay connected to the support that matters.

Is there a topic or program you'd like to see us cover in September? Let us know below.

08/28/2026

A task that feels simple to you might feel overwhelming to someone living with dementia. The fix usually isn't doing it for them — it's breaking it into smaller pieces.

This Dementia Friendly Friday, try encouraging participation in daily activities by breaking tasks down into small, manageable steps. Instead of “get dressed,” try “let's start with your shirt.” Instead of “make your bed,” try “let's pull up this side together.”

Celebrate each small success, no matter how minor it seems. These wins help maintain a sense of purpose and confidence that can otherwise erode quickly as dementia progresses.

This approach takes more patience upfront, but it often means less resistance and more genuine participation over time.

What's a task you've successfully broken down into smaller steps? Share your approach below.

08/27/2026

Knowing you need a vaccine and actually getting one are two different things.
Maybe you don't have a ride. Maybe you're not sure what Medicare covers. Maybe you just don't know where to start, and the whole thing feels like more trouble than it's worth.
That's exactly what AgeSmart and our partners are here for. We can connect you with transportation to your appointment, and our Information and Assistance specialists can walk you through your Medicare coverage — no runaround, just clear answers from someone who actually knows the system.
Don't let logistics be the reason you skip a vaccine that could keep you out of the hospital this season. The barrier standing between you and better health is often smaller than it feels.
Call us at 618-222-2561 or visit agesmart.org/services to get started today.

08/26/2026

A wagging tail at the door. A head resting on your knee at the end of a long day. Dogs have a way of making hard days feel a little lighter.

Happy National Dog Day! Dogs bring companionship, joy, and real health benefits to people of all ages — studies link dog ownership to lower blood pressure, more physical activity, and reduced feelings of loneliness, especially for older adults living alone.

Whether you have a dog of your own, borrow the neighbor's for a walk, or simply love seeing one on the street, today's a good day to appreciate the bond between people and their canine companions.
If you don't have a dog but love the idea of one, even short visits or volunteering with a local shelter can bring some of the same benefits.

Share a photo of your dog (or your favorite dog memory) in the comments!