Allies in Aging Blog

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...

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a new, voluntary payment option under Medicare Part D. Beginning on January 1, 2025, this...

COMISSIONER OF SECURITIES AND INSURANCE, OFFICE OF THE MONTANA STATE AUDITOR Fraud: it’s a billion-dollar industry. Consumers reported...