Allies in Aging Blog

Growing older brings wisdom, experience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. It also reminds us that taking care of our bodies becomes more important than ever. Staying active doesn’t require running marathons or spending hours at the gym. In fact, some of the healthiest habits are the simplest ones. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life. Our bodies are designed to m

My wife, Becky and I have learned at least two things since starting our retirement journey four years ago. First, you are never too old to pursue your dreams. Second, getting older does present some challenges. A recent trip we took drove home these two insights for us. Let us introduce ourselves. Beck is a retired Social Worker for the state of Montana. I am a semi-retired pastor for the United Methodist church, still serving a rural parish close to Billings. We star

By Billings Clinic Growing older is one of the most natural things we do, and for many, it’s a time of real richness. New perspectives, deeper relationships, and hard-earned wisdom don’t come any other way. But like any season of life, it brings its own physical changes: managing medications, shifts in balance, or a memory that doesn’t fire quite as fast. These aren’t signs that something has gone wrong. They’re part of the journey, and with the right support, you can navig

By Stacy Seward, Meals on Wheels Coordinator It’s Fall! Hopefully we will have some cooler weather after the very hot summer we had! What are your favorite activities to do in the fall, when the weather is cooler? I have been trying to lose some weight, but I have plateaued for the last several months. My doctor said the only way I am going to break my plateau is by exercising regularly. Sigh. I know exercise is important, but I just can’t seem to get excited about it!

By Tyler Amundson, Director of Mission and Development, Allies in Aging As we open this issue of Prime Connections, we're leaning into a theme that touches us all: aging well, and the courage it takes to think differently about our physical health at every age. When I broke my ankle, the years that followed were a struggle. I couldn't find a workout that didn't hurt. My weight crept up and my heart health markers started not looking great. I believed running was what exercise

By: Dr. Daniel J. Koltz, Gerontology Specialist, Montana State University Extension. July is Social Wellness Month, a time to focus on the importance of friendships, family, and staying connected with others. Spending time with people we care about can help us feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. Good relationships are important at every age and can improve both mental and physical health. Social wellness means building healthy and positive relationships with others. T

Twice a week, in an unassuming community center in Billings, a group of women gather to rehearse. They stretch, count, laugh, remember steps, and help one another through the routines. They are the Golden Dancers, and since 1988 they have been challenging what many people assume aging is supposed to look like. Their story began with friendship, loss, and the desire to stay connected. In 1985, Gayle Larson and Elaine Schulz met in a YMCA Gentle Gym class. Both were recent wido

By: Tyler Amundson, Director of Mission and Development, Allies in Aging I have come to think of aging a little bit like a cross-country road trip. Social wellness is the map, the snack stash, and the favorite playlist that help keep the journey moving. Without it, we can find ourselves guessing directions and maybe even talking to a tumbleweed. But when we have a caravan of connections, the journey gets a whole lot better. Science backs this up too. Strong social ties can lo

By: Erika Purington, Chief Executive Officer at Allies in Aging My favorite season is here, friends! Happy Summer! I like to read about impactful things and tend to go down a rabbit hole when I find a topic particularly interesting. Recently, my reading obsession has been about the critical benefits that come from blending people from different generations for social, civic and business opportunities. A growing body of research in public health, psychology, and aging studies

Learn how Meals on Wheels helps reduce senior isolation through nutritious meals, regular check-ins, and dedicated volunteers.

By: Kristen Rose, Director of Human Resources at Allies in Aging Social wellness is often described as staying connected or spending time with others, but at its heart, it’s really about belonging. It’s about feeling seen, valued, needed, and connected to the world around us. Here in Montana, we’re fortunate to live in communities where relationships still matter. A wave to a neighbor, a conversation over coffee, or checking in on a friend may seem small, but those moments ca

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