Allies in Aging Blog

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

Dear Friends, What a summer it's been. Between a truck crashing into our Avenue D building and our air conditioner giving out at the worst possible moment, this season tested us in ways we didn't see coming. But if there's one thing I've learned leading Allies in Aging, it's that we are adaptable. We know how to pivot, and we did, again and again, without losing sight of why we're here. What stays with me most isn't the chaos. It's the people, the Allies in Aging team and vo

Across our region, there are older adults who no longer have the ability to safely make their own medical or financial decisions and who have no family members or trusted friends able to step into that role. For these vulnerable seniors, the work of the Yellowstone County Guardianship Council provides critical protection, advocacy, and dignity. The Yellowstone County Guardianship Council, a program of Allies in Aging, is the only organized volunteer response of its kind servi

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

Everything we do is grounded in our Allies in Aging core values. Our core values guide the everyday choices we make in how we care for others and support one another. Last summer, Allies in Aging became a new organization. As a new team and board of directors, we have done the critical and fun work over the last several months to develop our Allies in Aging core values. We are really proud of them and excited to share them with the communities we serve. For you all, our

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