Sacramento County Seniors Digest

The U.S, which has one of the least generous disability programs among developed Western nations, denies most initial claims, leaving applicants to endure a lengthy appeals process or face the decision to lose money by taking retirement benefits too early.

A growing number of California’s oldest residents are dying of malnutrition, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic. Deaths attributed to malnutrition more than doubled from 2018 to 2022.

Retired California government workers will get tens of thousands of dollars if they give up their long-term care insurance.

A new 15-bed facility for adults aged 60-plus who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability will open soon through the county's Adult Protective Services.

Every day, thousands of older Californians can’t afford to stock their pantries. State data reveal that two-thirds of eligible Californians over age 60 do not participate in CalFresh, the state’s food stamp program, even though they qualify.

For residents of The Park at Laguna Springs, a new senior living facility in Elk Grove, the breakfasts are normally pretty tasty. Chef David Brannon runs one of the most ambitious senior culinary programs in the Sacramento region.

There are new tools and technologies being developed to address both physical and mental health for seniors. Dr. Reetu Sharma is one of many innovators in the Capital Region determined to help people feel stronger while living longer.

Homeless camps throughout Sacramento have been cleared out in recent months, but the city is making an exception for one. Safe Ground, co-sponsored by Sierra Health Foundation, is planning a safe encampment for homeless seniors.

A new outdoor fitness destination is open at Oak Park Community Center, with an emphasis on exercise equipment for older adults. The new area contains 11 different exercise machines. Free classes will also be offered later this fall.

A caregiver at a Folsom senior living facility accused of elder abuse made her first appearance in Sacramento Superior Court since her arrest. The caregiver is accused of abusing a 90-year-old woman with dementia who was evacuated from her Pollock Pines home during the Caldor Fire.

Galt’s Commission on Aging discussed a proposal to improve computer access among older adults, part of an effort to separate the Galt Senior Resource Center from the city.

The first law enforcement to partner with Eskaton’s Telephone Reassurance Program, the the Rancho Cordova Police Department is launching Rancho Cordova CARES, which will provide daily phone calls by volunteers to adults over the age of 65.

Six weeks after the Senior Center of Elk Grove opened in a new structure in January 2020, the pandemic forced its closure. Now the doors are open, with programs presented live—and online, for those who prefer to participate at home.

Rodeo legend Cotton Rosser, whose livestock and event-production company has operated in Folsom for 70-plus years, will be at the grounds this week.

At its June 24 meeting, the Commission on Aging welcomed new commissioner Phyllis Johnson and made plans to reopen the Galt Senior Resource Center on July 6.