Category: Heart of the Matter

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated every June 15th to provide an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults.  WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us.  It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to learn how…

As the season of giving and gratitude approaches, we’re reminded that the warmth of community can make even the coldest days feel a little brighter. At Aging Ahead, we have the privilege of witnessing how connection and support transform lives, especially in moments of deep need. One participant, Glenn, shared his story in a voicemail…

John, a veteran, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He lives alone in his small apartment and does not have family living in town. After a stay in the hospital, John returned home but refused to receive inhome assistance and care services. That’s when a social worker from the VA called us to set up…

For the last six years, Dan Wehner has been a dedicated Aging Ahead volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable, homebound older adults in House Springs. Dan became particularly attached to Susan, a recipient of Meals on Wheels and commodity boxes (providing a month’s worth of shelf-stable food). Susan lost her eyesight about ten years…

Not only does June mark the beginning of summer, but it is also the time to celebrate, reflect, and amplify the diverse voices around us. In June, we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ+ community, and we also recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States. The culture at…

For many like Virginia, Aging Ahead provides more than just senior services–we provide a sense of community. Virginia has taken it upon herself to give back to her community and Aging Ahead for the past two years by creating fabulous bows and wreaths for the holiday season. She sells her creations and donates it all…

Aging Ahead strives to create meaningful programs that meet critical needs for older adults in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson County. The Friendly Caller Program was introduced last spring to address social isolation for vulnerable older adults in our area. Trained volunteers are connected to an older adult for regular friendly phone conversations,…

Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S., and every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Being a family member’s caregiver is work around the clock. Take Sarah, who takes care of her mother, Carolyn….

At Aging Ahead, we work hard on identifying needs throughout our service area to create a long-lasting and positive impact within our community. Our programs and services are not only aimed at serving older adults, but also their families and caregivers, making our community stronger for it. The Aging Ahead Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) has become…

Aging Ahead heavily relies on volunteers to help carry out our mission of supporting individuals through the journey of aging, and we feel lucky that our volunteers are extremely dedicated to doing just that. Jeanne is no exception. Jeanne connected with Laura Conners, Aging Ahead’s Volunteer Coordinator, after submitting her volunteer application. After Jeanne was…