https://cvcoa.org/images/logo.png en-us https://cvcoa.org/blog https://cvcoa.org/blog/healthy-eating-tips 348 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:45:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/cvcoa-stands-up-for-the-rights-of-older-adults-on-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day- 347 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:32:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/can-you-walk-the-walk 345 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:56:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/what-weve-learned-about-aging-and-cannabis-use 344 Thu, 21 May 2026 10:16:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/tech-tales-a-cvcoa-tech-volunteers-story 341 Wed, 13 May 2026 13:03:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/vermont-aging-network-consortium-renews-partnership-with-getsetup- 340 Tue, 12 May 2026 14:41:00 EDT Leanne Hoppe https://cvcoa.org/blog/this-older-americans-month-champion-your-health 339 Tue, 12 May 2026 10:24:00 EDT Leah Kittredge It s Older Americans Month Established in 1963 Older Americans Month OAM is celebrated every May and is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions highlight aging trends and reaffirm our commitments to serving the older adults in our communities This year s theme Champion Your Health focuses on prevention wellness and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health advocating for themselves accessing preventive care and making informed decisions that support independence How can you take charge of your health at every age Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings Use]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/cvcoa-hires-executive-director- 338 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:16:00 EDT Leanne Hoppe https://cvcoa.org/blog/did-you-know-as-we-age-our-bodies-may-become-more-sensitive-to-medications 337 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:28:00 EDT Leah Kittredge Did you know As we age our bodies may become more sensitive to medications sometimes a little goes a long way Aging makes it harder for your body to process medications and alcohol This means that it takes less to create a risk of a medical emergency such as an overdose or other harmful effects Here are some tips for healthy aging and medication use: Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of your medications Ask about safer alternatives especially for pain Do not stop taking your medications without talking with your doctor Avoid drinking alcohol when taking medications Avoid driving]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/whats-in-a-meal 336 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:59:00 EDT Leah Kittredge Have you seen the countless hands and faces behind every home-delivered meal usually  referred to as Meals on Wheels   Every day teams of volunteers  and small  staffs  show up at their local nutrition program site  because they believe in the mission of feeding their neighbor a warm and nutritious lunch   Last year this effort added up to  224 395 meals served across the region  to 2 638 recipients   Central Vermont Council on Aging CVCOA is beyond grateful to those who give their time and talent to the mission of supporting older adults to age with dignity and choice without whom this fragile system could not function The Older Americans Act makes it]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/did-you-know-as-you-age-alcohol-affects-you-differently 333 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 EST Leah Kittredge As we age changes in the body such as lower water content less-efficient metabolism and excretion  and increased brain sensitivity  may cause alcohol and other drugs to have a stronger effect Your alcohol tolerance decreases Aging lowers the body s tolerance for alcohol meaning you can become intoxicated and impaired with fewer drinks This can put you at higher risk for falls and other injuries and health problems Alcohol can make your health problems worse Alcohol can make common health problems worse such as diabetes liver problems memory problems high blood pressure osteoporosis mood disorders and heart disease Alcohol can interact with your medications Many prescriptions over-the-counter medications and]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/terminal 332 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:53:00 EST Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/connections 331 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:36:00 EST Leah Kittredge We all need social connections to get the most out of life As we get older we may find ourselves with more time alone leaving us more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation which can negatively affect our  health and well-being You can protect yourself from the  negative effects of loneliness and social isolation   To help you stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible try exercising eating healthy getting enough sleep 7 to 9 hours and pursuing activities you enjoy Second it's important to stay active and connect with others People who engage in meaningful productive activities they enjoy with others feel a]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/toasty-tips 330 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:15:00 EST Leah Kittredge Fuel and Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance With this extreme cold people often struggle to heat their homes The State of Vermont s fuel assistance program may be able to help you afford your heating bills and avoid a heating emergency This state program is also known as Fuel Assistance Seasonal Fuel or LIHEAP   You have the option to receive fuel assistance if you rent or own a house Fuel benefits are paid directly to the fuel provider or given in cash if your main source of heat is wood   In addition Green Mountain Power has an Energy Assistance Program that would provide]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/cvcoa-expands-support-for-family-caregiver-support-program- 329 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:22:00 EST Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/this-new-year-give-and-get-back 328 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:29:00 EST Leah Kittredge January 19th marks the Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service where Americans embrace the idea that  citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live work and play     As we enter this new year many of us set goals focused on health connection and purpose   Volunteering is a resolution that supports all three Being of service has been shown to reduce isolation boost mental and physical health and create a strong sense of purpose - benefits that last well beyond January     At CVCOA   volunteers tell us that giving their time brings purpose connection and joy  - while helping older]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/introducing-trualta-platform-for-family-caregivers 327 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:56:00 EST Leanne Hoppe https://cvcoa.org/blog/its-not-one-thing-that-enables-you-to-age-in-place 326 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:05:00 EST Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/this-national-family-caregivers-month-connect-to-support-tools-and-community 324 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:33:00 EST Leah Kittredge November is National Family Caregivers Month a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally     The theme for 2025 is "Plug-in to Care "which focuses on connecting caregivers to vital support tools networks and resources   The Caregiver Action Network has compiled  helpful vetted resources  by topic to help guide your unique caregiving journey You can also join them throughout November for  Care Connections: The Plug-in to Care Webinar Series where experts and caregivers will share insights strategies and real-life experiences Family caregiving can feel isolating  but you don't have to do it alone   Talking with others who understand your challenges can help reduce stress combat isolation and]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/veteran-directed-care-program 323 Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:01:00 EST Leanne Hoppe On this Veterans Day the staff and board at CVCOA take a moment to honor and reflect on the service of our Veterans in the community and for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good   ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/cvcoa-and-net-zero-vermont-team-up-for-green-mobility 322 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:29:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/creative-connections 321 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:03:00 EDT Leah Kittredge Mary Lou has been involved in CVCOA's Creative Aging program since the beginning   She remembers when programs were being curtailed due to COVID and when she and a friend first saw the ads for the Creative Care Kits They each ordered a kit had it delivered to her surprise and the two of them would create take photos of what they were doing and then call each other to discuss Since then she has partnered with a number of different people in the same way around their art and recalls laughing "hilariously" on the phone while enjoying each other's work ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/are-you-losing-your-advantage-plan 320 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:12:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/lets-talk-about-ageism 319 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:01:00 EDT Leah Kittredge October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day   an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities Ageism refers to stereotypes how we think prejudice how we feel and discrimination how we act toward others or ourselves based on age It negatively impacts our health and well-being our financial security and the economy It impacts us at every age The good news is that we can do something about it together on Ageism Awareness Day Spread awareness  about and share  facts about ageism Share stories  about what the aging experience is really like What do people get wrong about being]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/top-tips-to-prevent-a-fall 318 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:17:00 EDT Leah Kittredge It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week   Learn simple steps to help  prevent a fall     ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/hit-the-trail-race-results 317 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:07:00 EDT Leanne Hoppe The official record of race times from Saturday September 6 Hit the Trail 5K timed run ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/how-to-change-your-plan-for-2026-during-medicare-open-enrollment 315 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:58:00 EDT Leah Kittredge Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7     Read on to learn the ways you can change your plan for 2026 during Open Enrollment ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/partnership-with-uvm-benefits-students-and-cvcoa 314 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:33:00 EDT Leah Kittredge In 2022 CVCOA began working in partnership with the University of Vermont UVM Masters of Dietetics faculty to create an internship program The program began with just two dietetics student interns and has grown steadily   ]]> https://cvcoa.org/blog/avoiding-medicare-scams-fraud 313 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:32:00 EDT Leah Kittredge https://cvcoa.org/blog/opportunity-to-comment-on-cvcoas-next-area-plan-2026-2029 312 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:45:00 EDT Leanne Hoppe