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Monday, January 5th 2023 - Gut Health Part II

Did you know? Your gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is a long tube that runs from your mouth all the way to you anus and is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.  The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up our  gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining the health of our gut and the rest of the body. There are many factors that can affect gut health, including diet, stress, medication, and illness.  A diet high in processed, sugary, and high-fat foods can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.  Chronic stress and certain medications, such as antibiotics, can also alter the gut microbiome and contribute to digestive problems. Maintaining a healthy gut is important for overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for improving gut health: Take probiotics: Probiotics...
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Monday, October 24th 2022- Older American Act


Older American Act (OAA)


WHAT is the OAA?


Although older individuals receive services under many federal programs, today the OAA is considered to be a major vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to America's older adults and their caregivers. 

The OAA authorizes a wide array of service programs through a national network of 56 state agencies on aging, 618 area agencies on aging, nearly 20,000 service providers, 281 Tribal organizations, and 1 Native Hawaiian organization representing 400 Tribes. 

The OAA also includes community service employment for low-income older Americans; training, research, and demonstration activities in the field of aging; and vulnerable elder rights protection activities.

3 Quick Facts 


  1. Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965 in response to concern by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons.
  2. The original legislation established authority for grants to states for community planning and social services, research and development projects, and personnel training in the field of aging.
  3. The law also established the Administration on Aging (AoA) to administer the newly created grant programs and to serve as the federal focal point on matters concerning older persons.


Mental health is referenced numerous times throughout the 2006 amendments to the Older Americans Act. 


For the first time, the Administration on Aging and the Aging Services Network are directed to apply a greater focus on the prevention and treatment of mental disorders for older adults and persons with disabilities. 


To effectively carry out the new mental health references in the Act, AoA will develop objectives, priorities and a long-term plan for supporting State and local efforts pertaining to education, prevention, detection and treatment of mental disorders, including age-related dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction.


Although the 2006 Amendments include no specific requirements for States regarding the new Title II mental health provisions, there are significant opportunities for States to:

  1.  Ensure that mental health programs and services are aware of the role ADRCs play in connecting consumers with resources to meet their needs.
  2.  Explore the availability of evidence-based mental health programs and incorporating them where practicable.
  3. Strengthen partnerships between mental health programs and services and the Aging Services Network at the State and AAA/community levels.

See you soon & Thank You for your presence. 
JamiQuan R. MSW, QMHP
Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist

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