Allies in Aging Blog

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, but the good news is that many falls are preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) , simple home safety changes can significantly reduce the risk of falling and help older adults maintain independence and confidence. As we age, changes in balance, vision, and strength can increase fall risks. Being proactive about fall prevention, especially in the home, can make a meaningf

Helping others does more than strengthen communities—it can also support long-term brain health. New research shows that even a few hours per week of volunteering or helping others may slow cognitive decline while building purpose and connection

In the small towns scattered across Yellowstone County, the rural meal sites in Custer, Worden, Shepherd, Huntley, and Broadview are more than places to eat—they’re places where people come to feel known. They are rooms where familiar faces gather, where empty seats are noticed, and where conversations linger long after the plates are cleared. The roots of these sites reach back to the 1970s, when seniors first began meeting for meals in local cafés: the Kozy Korner Kafe in C

Dr. Eduardo Serrano, M.D. Nutrition is a vast and constantly evolving field of study. It seems like there is a new fad or discovery every week. “Avoid fat. Limit the amount of eggs you eat. Don’t eat red meat.” We’ve all heard simple phrases like these, but in reality, nothing is ever that black and white. Protein contains 4 calories per gram, carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, fat contains 9 calories per gram, and alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. These are concr

With the new year comes the continual demands of caregiving and the toll it can take on the person providing the care for a loved one. At a time of fresh resolutions, prioritize changes that improve upon your overall well-being and inspire much needed self-renewal. This new year, make some intentional changes such as:   Set aside personal time  each day just for you. Even a few minutes every day that allows you to do something you enjoy, that energizes you, like taking a walk

Read about how nutrition, daily routines, and family support shape the aging process, illustrated through personal stories that show how small changes around meals can signal when extra care or connection may be needed.

By Jennifer Brown, Recreation & Wellness Specialist, Billings Parks and Recreation As we get older, many of us begin cooking for just one or two people. This can make it easy to skip meals or choose quick foods that are low in nutrition. But your body still needs good food, especially foods that help your gut . Why Gut Health Matters as We Age Your gut has tiny “good bacteria” that help with digestion, blood sugar, mood, and immunity. As we age, these good bacteria decrease

Good nutrition is a quiet foundation of aging well. In Yellowstone County, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) helps older adults keep their pantries stocked with nutrient-rich staples each month. For many, this 35-pound box of groceries is more than food—it’s a lifeline, providing stability, independence, and connection to the community

Holidays often are full of emotions and expectations to be full of laughter, positive moments, and sharing of good times, but they can also bring disappointment, stress, and unhappiness. Those individuals who are experiencing cognitive loss, especially at the beginning of their diagnosis, may feel sadness about the changes they have experienced, and those who care for them may be overwhelmed with how to keep up with traditions and still maintain a continuity of care.   The pe

Nonprofits are the backbone of our community - supporting wellbeing, stabilizing crises, and creating opportunities for people of every age. While a few recent situations have shaken public trust, the overwhelming majority of Yellowstone County nonprofits remain transparent, accountable, and mission-driven. This giving season, we invite you to learn, ask questions, and support the organizations doing vital work every day.

By Anna Warburton, RiverStone Health Hospice Program Manager Hospice care is centered on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, and caregivers are the heart of this mission. As hospice care continues to evolve, one of the most significant shifts is the growing recognition of caregivers as central to the end-of-life journey. Whether they are informal caregivers like loved ones or family members, or professionals like nurses, aides or social workers, caregivers play a vital an

By Tyler Amundson, Allies in Aging Director of Mission and Development The word respite  can sound clinical or distant, but its meaning is simple: REST. Respite care provides short-term relief for family caregivers—whether that’s a few hours of in-home help, a day at an adult day program, or a temporary stay in a care setting. It doesn’t always have to come from a paid provider. Sometimes it’s a trusted volunteer, friend, or neighbor who steps in for a few hours so a caregive

Because of support from people like you, a Senior immediately found independence and his family found peace of mind.

The ongoing act of providing care for our loved ones, friends, and neighbors can take a physical and emotional toll on caregivers, especially as we approach and prepare for the holiday season. Studies show that cultivating your feelings of gratitude can recharge your energy, reduce your stress, and restore your well-being. A 2024 Baylor University study found that, despite difficult circumstances, family members who are caring for a loved one are better at being able to adjus

A girl's trip my sisters and I took with my mom about 3 months before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  There were signs on that trip that my mom was having issues.  Here we go into the holiday season!  Food, family, and the spirit of the holidays!  A time to be thankful and celebrate!  Besides Thanksgiving, November is also National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month.  Years ago, I worked on the Alzheimer’s unit of what was then Western Manor Nursing Home.  A

On behalf of Montana Food Bank Network, the undersigned organizations, and the thousands of Montanans we serve, we write to urge immediate action to use funds within the Debt and Liability Free Account or other available funds to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits remain available to Montana families during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, combining romance scams with cryptocurrency fraud to steal from unsuspecting victims. As...

Recently, there's been an increase in scammers sending unsolicited packages to recipients, often using addresses found online, to pose as...

In this AARP article , Deirdre van Dyk warns about charity scams, especially around the holidays. AARP offers tips to verify legitimate...

By Tyler Amundson, Director of Mission and Development As the political season ramps up, many of us see an increase in political...