Allies in Aging Blog

Sue Bevins; photo courtesy of AARP, Photography by Sara Morris Photography For many older adults, retirement is meant to be a time of enjoying the life they’ve worked so hard to build. For Montana resident Sue Bevins, that dream was suddenly disrupted by a scam that cost her nearly everything. Sue, a retired nurse, had settled into a new chapter of her life, moving to Montana to be closer to family and enjoy her retirement. But what began as a seemingly routine issue, quickly

A Montana Medical Care Savings Account (MSA) allows Montanans to save money for medical expenses and long-term health care, and reduce their state income taxes at the same time. Any Montana resident taxpayer can designate any Montana bank or credit union account as a Medical Care Savings Account. An MSA account must be separate from other accounts, and only the account holder has access to the funds. In 2026, each taxpayer can place up to $4800 in the account annually. This a

Evelyn Dempsey, Director of Community Services Financial wellness looks different for everyone, and it evolves throughout our lives. In our younger years, conversations about financial health often focused on saving, building credit, and investing for the future. As people move through their careers, financial wellness may mean diversifying investments, preparing for retirement, or growing long-term assets. Once someone reaches retirement and begins living on a fixed income,

By Becky Meisenheimer, CDP® CMDCP®, Dementia Education Coordinator Many families find themselves in the situation of providing care for grandparents, parents, a spouse, and even a close friend. Often, these selfless individuals do this work as a “labor of love”, but we must recognize there are personal costs of caregiving. It is reported that about 24% of our fellow Montanans provide care for a family or friend, most often at no monetary compensation. Many people cut back on

At Allies in Aging, our work is made possible through a thoughtful blend of community generosity, earned revenue, and public investment. This balanced funding model allows us to serve older adults across Yellowstone County with stability, flexibility, and accountability. We are deeply grateful for the shared commitment behind both private and public dollars that sustain this work. Donations from Supporters — 12% Gifts from individual donors, families, businesses, and communit

Many people reach a stage in life when they ask a simple, but powerful question: what’s next? For some, retirement brings more time, deeper perspective, and a desire to give back. In Yellowstone County, one organization is showing that meaningful volunteer work has no age limit – and that older adults can play a life-changing role in their community. Louise Johnston CASA of Yellowstone County has been serving the community since 2003, recruiting and training community volunte

For years, researchers have shown potential benefits from investing time in participating in community events and seeking ways to stimulate your mind. Their results show a direct correlation for both positive physical and emotional health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, increasing your mood, giving a sense of purpose, and better overall well-being. When a significant amount of your time is spent caring for a friend or loved one, it takes a conscious effort to purpo

Dr. Daniel Koltz, Montana State University – Extension, Gerontology Specialist March and April are special months for two important reasons. National Nutrition Month is in March, which reminds us to take care of our bodies, and Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, which thanks the many people who help make our communities stronger. These two ideas—taking care of ourselves and helping others—also connect to something just as important: keeping our minds healthy and active,

On any given weekday at Allies in Aging, the day begins with familiar faces and easy conversation. Volunteers gather as they prepare for their Meals on Wheels routes, lend a hand setting up for congregate lunch, and work alongside staff who share a genuine love for the senior community. There’s laughter, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the room. This camaraderie isn’t accidental, it’s the result of an intentional commitment to community engagement that promotes mental an

By Dawn Leslie, MSW, LCSW, LAC Our mental health is shaped by many things. These include our biology, our thoughts and experiences, our social and environmental factors and our spirituality. As we get older, it becomes even more important to take care of our mental health and find ways to keep it strong. Mental health concerns in older adults are often missed or not treated. This can happen for many reasons. Some older adults worry about losing their independence, think me

We are finishing up winter and heading into spring! I must admit I am excited for Spring, specifically, April. Why? Because I am going to be a first-time grandma! After raising 4 boys, I am getting a granddaughter! The feeling of pride and joy I have watching my son find love and start a family is amazing! I adore my daughter-in-law and her family, and I couldn’t be more excited to meet this precious grandbaby! I hope I don’t spoil her too much (wink, wink)! I have be

Erika Purington, CEO Allies in Aging I have always been drawn to civic engagement and volunteering, to jumping in and getting things done for a worthy cause. I am very often the first to raise my hand when help is requested, especially when the need is aligned with one of my strengths. What is civic engagement? Basically, it is showing up for your community. Paying attention to what is going on, caring about other people, and doing small or big things to make your neighbo

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