It’s nothing short of amazing the array of services available to older adults, and their caregivers, through the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. In this special episode, we continue our celebration of the Agency’s 50th anniversary by speaking with Jody Barker, Director of the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, and Andy Gunning, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG), which houses the Agency on Aging. They share their insights on why this milestone is so significant and catalog the many services available.

They discuss the agency’s funding sources, the importance of the Older Americans Act and Older Coloradans Act, and the wide range of services and contractors they provide to support seniors. Jody and Andy also explain how adults can access or qualify for these services, the challenges involved, and opportunities for volunteering.

Finally, they offer a glimpse into the future of the PPAAA and its continued role in serving older adults in the Pikes Peak region.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado and All About Dignity is our moderator.

Access services, volunteer, donate, or learn more at:

Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging

https://PikesPeakAreaAgencyonAging

Or call 719-471-2096

Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments

https://ppacg.org/

PEARLS Program of Colorado

https://PEARLSProgramofColorado

Get to know Cynthia Margiotta, the heart and voice of Aging With Altitude! As the moderator of nearly every episode, she brings a wealth of experience and passion for senior care that is both inspiring and invaluable. In addition to moderating the podcast, Cynthia is also the executive director of PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors).

With over 50 years of experience in senior care and advocacy, Cynthia’s journey began in high school and has shaped her entire career. Throughout this time, she has gained a unique perspective by working in various states, including New York, West Virginia, California, Colorado, and Wyoming, before returning to Colorado Springs. In this conversation, Cynthia reflects on her path to where she is today, including how she became involved with the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. She also discusses the drive and commitment that fuels her work and the many changes she’s witnessed in senior care over the past five decades.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude - whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado and All About Dignity is our moderator. Learn more at:

Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging https://ppacg.org/pikes-peak-area-agency-on-aging Or call 719-471-2096

PEARLS Program of Coloradohttps://pearlsprogram.net/

If you live in the Pikes Peak region, find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you’re not alone, and there is a world of support available. In honor of November being National Family Caregivers Month, we’re excited to welcome RoseMary Jaramillo, Director of Community Engagement for Southeast Colorado at the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss advances in understanding Alzheimer’s.

In this special episode, RoseMary reflects on the history of Alzheimer’s and the significant shifts that have occurred over the last 50 years in public understanding and perception, as well as the importance of support for caregivers. The conversation includes the tragedy of caregivers not caring for themselves, Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 help line, and keeping loved ones with dementia engaged – with special advice around the holidays.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado and All About Dignity is our moderator. Learn more at:

Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aginghttps://ppacg.org/pikes-peak-area-agency-on-aging Or call 719-471-2096

PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

Alzheimer’s Association – Colorado Chapterhttps://www.alz.org/coOr call 800-272-3900

Follow Aging with Altitude so you don't miss an episode.

Visit https://studio809podcasts.com to find your new favorite LOCAL podcast!

Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding, and most challenging, roles you can take on. As it has evolved over time it is important to recognize that supporting yourself as a caregiver is just as important as the support you provide to those who depend on you.

In honor of November being National Family Caregivers Month, we’re excited to welcome Lucy Crandall, Supervisor of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, to discuss the evolving role of family caregiving. With over 25 years of experience serving older adults and their families, Lucy has found her true passion helping family caregivers.

In this special episode, Lucy reflects on the history of aging services and the significant shifts that have occurred over the last 50 years since the creation of the Area Agency on Aging. She explores how caregiving has evolved, what has driven these changes, and why support services are more essential than ever. Lucy also discusses the meaning of caregiving and how the growing need for these services has shaped the way we care for older adults today.

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator.

Learn more at:

Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aginghttps://ppacg.org/pikes-peak-area-agency-on-aging

Or call 719-471-2096

PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

If you live in the Pikes Peak region, find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Learn about changes coming to Medicare, and why the time is now to consider making a change, or to enroll for the first time if you’re newly eligible – during open enrollment October 15 – December 7. This is the period when you get into, out of, or switch Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans – to take effect January 1, 2025. The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) can answer your questions and guide you through the process if you wish. In this episode, Roma Costanza, local SHIP representative, fills us in.

To reach SHIP in El Paso, Teller, Park, Lake, Chaffee, Custer, Las Animas, Huerfano and Fremont counties, call 719-635-4891 or email seniorinsur@ppacg.org. Make an appointment soon!

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator. Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/ and PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

If you live in the Pikes Peak region, find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Grammy award nominated musician Melanie DeMore will lend her soulful voice to lift the pain of our losses at A Community Gathering of Song and Healing on October 9, 2023. Sarah Lee, Program Director for Voices of Grief Support and Education Center shares details about the event, and about the concept behind it. People of all ages in the Pikes Peak region are invited to join this celebration of hope and remembrance. A second event on October 10 will offer a panel of local art therapy experts joining Melanie to explore how the professional community might weave the arts into our caregiving roles to foster growth and resilience in those we serve. The event will also feature art displays highlighting work being done locally by outstanding local art therapists.

A Community Gathering of Song and HealingOctober 9, 2023 (professional panel October 10)Information and ticketswww.voicesofgriefcenter.org/events

Ent Center for the Arts5225 N. Nevada Ave.Colorado Springs

Sarah has spent more than 20 years in non-profit administration. Her professional experience includes hospice chaplaincy, event planning, fundraising and human resources. In addition to grief support training, Sarah holds a BA in psychology and an MA in Theology. Sarah has partnered with Kathy Sparnins and Voices of Grief since 2020, facilitating support groups and expanding grief support and education programs in the Pikes Peak Region through the Voices of Grief Support and Education Center.

Voices of Grief Support and Education Centerhttps://www.voicesofgriefcenter.org

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator. Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/ and PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

If you live in the Pikes Peak region, find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Learn how the financial, legal, health and even social determinants of retirement can and will impact your future. For the past nine years, Ent Credit Union has partnered with the Pikes Peaks Area Agency on Aging to present retirement preparation classes. In this episode, two of the masterminds behind the classes, Pamela Haugard of Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging and Bree Shellito of Ent Credit Union join host Cynthia Margiotta to explain what the series covers and how to attend the classes.

All classes will be held virtually and at no cost to the participants. This year, the series has been expanded and offers an even more in-depth view of what stepping into retirement can look like.

Included in this series will also be the latest information on Social Security and Medicare. Attend one class or the entire series for important information and tools to jump-start your retirement planning NOW!

More information about the classes and registration:https://www.ppacg.org/aaa-events/

Ent Credit Union https://www.ent.com/

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator. Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/ and PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator. Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/ and PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/

If you live in the Pikes Peak region, find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Support groups and system changes are just two ways discussed to minimize elder abuse. We also continue our discussion of sex. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging can link you to, or help you organize, a small group conversation about this topic during the week of June 11. Lori McGinnis, regional director of the ombudsman program for the agency, shares insights with host Cynthia Margiotta. The ombudsman helps make sure elders are aware of their rights. If there are issues with an assisted living or long term care facility, an ombudsman is the one to call for help.

To contact the ombudsman: Lori McGinnis: 719-471-7080 ext. 132 lmcginnis@ppacg.org

Aging with Altitude is recorded in the Pikes Peak region with a focus on topics of aging interest across the country. We talk about both the everyday and novel needs and approaches to age with altitude whether you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida or Leadville, Colorado. The Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging is the producer. Cynthia Margiotta with PEARLS Program of Colorado is our moderator. Learn more at Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging http://www.ppacg.org/aging/ and PEARLS Program of Colorado https://pearlsprogram.net/