By Laurel Mildred

According to a 2012 report by the Committee on the Mental Health Workforce for Geriatric Populations, “The burden of mental illness and substance use disorders in older adults in the United States borders on a crisis.” One in four adults ages 55 and older experience behavioral health disorders that are not a part of normal aging, and the majority do not receive the treatment they need.

Of those responding to last week's ASA Update Quick Question, 64% said that they had encouraged an older client and/or loved one to meditate. Here are a few of the comments we recieved: 

It's an excellent stress management tool. Stress, anxiety, depression are linked to ALZ risk factors!

I lead a weekly meditation class for our residents.

Meditation is under used and can provide many benefits.

By Judith B. Neale

By Kathleen Wilber

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is often recognized for its effect on traditional healthcare. When people think about the ACA and long-term services and supports (LTSS), they often think about the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, a voluntary insurance system that would have provided cash benefits for LTSS. Unfortunately, CLASS was rescinded because of financial viability concerns.

By Sheri Y. Steinig and Donna M. Butts

By H. R. Moody

This week (April 21-27, 2013) is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). NCVRW, organized by The National Center for Victims of Crime, in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, gives us an opportunity to pay special attention to victims of crime, including elders. With a theme of “New Challenges. New Solutions,” one focus of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is elder financial abuse.

Many of ASA’s over 5,000 members are working to end health disparities every day as they work with underserved elder populations around the country. April is National Minority Health Month and this provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their work and dedication as well as to bring greater attention to the challenges we face as we work toward health equity. Click here for more information about National Minority Health Month from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.