The holiday season tends to bring more with it than just autumn leaves and pretty lights! For us here in Illinois, the weather gets colder and our social activities slowdown, which brings along some challenges. The combination of shorter days, weather limitations, health concerns, and holiday blues weigh heavily on many of us and our loved ones. These risk factors are important to be aware of as they can increase one’s risk for social isolation and loneliness. (A list of supportive resources for those experiencing social isolation or loneliness are linked below.) Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness affect older adults by increasing their risk of becoming victims of fraud and scams. When you are isolated or experiencing feelings of loneliness, scammers may try to take advantage of that vulnerability. Luckily, knowledge is power!  You can help protect yourself and your loved ones by being aware of the different types of scams and how they work.  Some Medicare related scams that may be more common during the holiday season are: Phone scams or social media scams where an insurance agent offers you some type of incentive or gift for signing up with a specific Medicare plan. COVID-19 testing scams where scammers may try to get your Medicare number for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. Medicare and healthcare providers will never call to offer you free COVID-19 tests. Additionally, only buy FDA-approved test kits from legitimate pharmacies or providers when purchasing both in-person and online. Phishing scams that seem to be from a legitimate business, healthcare provider, or a person you may know. We encourage beneficiaries to save official email addresses and phone contacts from their plan provider, pharmacy, healthcare network, and loved ones to help recognize legitimate contacts. But even then, be extremely cautious when clicking links and don’t click any suspicious attachments or links through email, texts or social media. Scammers may also leverage the holiday season by promoting discounted tests or durable medical equipment as part of a “generous” holiday promotion. Be sure to report to us if someone contacts you regarding any tests or durable medical equipment that is not medically necessary. Other ways you can help prevent these malicious scams are by not sharing your Medicare number with anyone who is not your healthcare provider and by never sharing personal information over the phone. In order to detect Medicare fraud, always be sure to review all Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for any possible mistakes or fraudulent charges. A personal journal strictly for healthcare appointments can help document appointment details to then easily compare to MSNs and EOBs later. The Illinois SMP is also here to offer assistance if you feel you or someone you know have been affected by any suspicious billing on your Medicare Summary Notice or any potential Medicare fraud, please call the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800) 699-9043 or visit www.illinoissmp.org. Additionally, if you or someone you know are experiencing social isolation or loneliness, the Senior Medicare Patrol is here to provide you with support by sharing the following resources: Stay Active Through Technology (PDF by engAGED, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults) Feeling Lonely or Socially Isolated? (PDF from National Institute on Aging) Protecting Your Personal Information Online (PDF by engAGED, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults) Ways to give and connect with others this holiday season: Give the Gift of Connection (PDF by ACL and Commit to Connect) Tips for Staying Connected – English or Spanish (Article written by the National Institute on Aging) Additional resources to support those experiencing social isolation can be located by calling East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging at (800) 888-4456. ECIAAA serves older adults and family caregivers in Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermilion counties.

Living Long, Staying Strong—Celebrating Older Adults All Month Long

October is often described as a season of change—a time when nature reminds us that transition can be beautiful. For older adults, it’s also a month filled with national observances that highlight wellness, resilience, and the fight against stereotypes. From Ageism Awareness Day on October 9 to World Mental Health Day on October 10, from the “Live Long Stay Strong” campaign led by USAging to the Illinois Fall Prevention Coalition and Active Aging Week, October calls on us all to reimagine what it means to age well.

Aging touches everyone, yet it is too often spoken of as a quiet decline rather than a continuing journey. Ageism—the discrimination or stereotyping of individuals based on age—remains one of society’s most normalized forms of bias. October 9’s Ageism Awareness Day invites us to challenge these outdated beliefs. Older adults are workers, volunteers, innovators, mentors, and community builders. When we portray aging only through frailty or dependence, we erase the vibrancy that defines so many later-life experiences.

Across Illinois and beyond, communities are reshaping these narratives. Intergenerational programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and inclusive hiring practices are proving that age diversity strengthens everyone. Simple shifts—like using empowering imagery in communication materials or inviting older adults to lead community projects—help dismantle ageist attitudes and foster belonging. The very next day, on October 10, the world recognizes World Mental Health Day, reminding us that emotional and psychological well-being are essential at every age. For older adults, mental health often intersects with life transitions—retirement, loss of loved ones, or changing health needs—but it’s also deeply influenced by social connection. Loneliness can have as serious an impact on health as smoking or obesity, while meaningful engagement—through art, conversation, physical activity, or volunteering—can lift mood and sharpen cognition.

That’s where USAging’s “Live Long Stay Strong” campaign comes in. Its message is clear: aging well isn’t only about longevity—it’s about quality of life. Through local Area Agencies on Aging, older adults can access programs for health management, caregiver support, transportation, and evidence-based wellness classes. When older adults remain active and supported, communities flourish too.

Equally vital is the work of the Illinois Fall Prevention Coalition, which advocates for safe, active, independent living. Falls remain the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older Americans—yet most are preventable. Through statewide partnerships, the coalition promotes home safety assessments, exercise programs like “A Matter of Balance” and “Fit & Strong!”, and medication reviews that reduce risk. Fall prevention isn’t simply about safety—it’s about confidence, mobility, and the freedom to keep moving toward what brings joy. All of these themes converge during Active Aging Week, a celebration that encourages older adults to embrace vitality in every form—physical, mental, and social. Across the nation, older adults are walking trails, mentoring youth, joining art classes, and dancing at local festivals. Active aging reminds us that growing older is not about slowing down—it’s about redefining how we live, learn, and connect.

Together, these October observances form a tapestry of awareness and action. They remind us that supporting older adults means addressing physical safety, emotional wellness, and societal inclusion all at once. When communities commit to age-friendly practices—whether by offering fall-prevention workshops, hosting mental health discussions, or celebrating older adults’ achievements—they affirm that aging is not an ending but a dynamic, evolving journey. So this October, let’s carry forward the spirit of “Live Long, Stay Strong.” Let’s look beyond stereotypes, listen to stories, and build communities where everyone, at every age, belongs. Because aging is not something to endure—it’s something to celebrate.

Falls Prevention Week – September 22-26, 2025

Did you know that falling is NOT a normal part of aging?  East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA) is committed to empowering all older adults in our community to reduce their risk of falls, which are one of the greatest causes of serious injuries and death among people over age 65. On September 22-26, 2025, ECIAAA is partnering with the Illinois Falls Prevention Coalition to mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week. As part of this national outreach campaign, ECIAAA encourages persons 60 and older to go online to www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeCheckUp at no cost and with anonymity to screen for the most common falls risk factors. “Falls prevention is crucial because falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and disability, particularly for older adults, leading to serious injuries like hip fractures and head trauma, costly hospitalizations, long-term rehabilitation, and reduced independence and quality of life,” said Susan Real, CEO, ECIAAA. East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging has a strong history of helping older residents in our community. ECIAAA is proud to be part of this state education and outreach initiative that is helping millions of older adults age well and stay falls free. If you live in Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby or Vermilion counties and want to learn more about resources to prevent falls, contact ECIAAA at (800) 888-4456.

Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls

Fall Prevention Guide for Caregivers

Gift Giving Guide for Seniors

National Wellness Month

Wellness Month is observed in August. It is a time to focus on promoting overall health and well-being by engaging in activities that support physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

Physical wellness encourages mobility and a stronger mind-body connection. Research has shown that older adults who exercise have lower risks of cardiovascular problems, stroke, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.

Mental wellness is founded on logic, problem-solving, and intellectual stimulation. For older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia, mental wellness can include memory care to delay the progression of their condition.

Mental fitness is practiced in various forms, from puzzles and crosswords to playing video games. Research has shown that 3D video games can improve cognitive function and memory by increasing gray matter in the brain.

Emotional and social wellness often intersect, so providing more opportunities for older adults to connect with others improves their well-being and lowers their risk of anxiety and depression. Having outlets to discuss their mental health can also help improve their emotional well-being.

One of the struggles aging adults face is a loss of autonomy. As their health declines or they need more assistance, they are less likely to take an active role in their wellness. It is important to encourage older adults to take an active role in their well-being resulting in more independence.

Everyone’s health is unique. These four tips can help every older adult improve their health and wellness this National Wellness Month.

• Work with Physical Limitations – Rather than see mobility concerns as a hurdle, learn to adapt exercises to suit abilities. Chair workout routines are an excellent way for older adults to stay active, even with a limited range of motion. Even 20 minutes of exercise a day can profoundly impact physical and mental well-being.

• Socialize More – Being social helps stay cognitively alert and emotionally engaged. Older adults that socialize experience less isolation, depression and anxiety.

• Eat a Balance Diet – Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and less on carb-heavy meals and junk food. Cooking can be an exciting hobby and encourages an older adult to stand up and be more active.

• Try Something New – Trying new things offers numerous benefits, including boosting creativity, improving cognitive function, enhance mood, and fostering personal growth. It can also help reduce stress, increase confidence, and build resilience. New experiences can even lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.

If you or a family member are looking for local resources in Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby or Vermilion counties, contact East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging at (800) 888-4456.