BOISE, Idaho - A program designed as a source of continuing education for older Idahoans has a new function during the pandemic: combatting social isolation.

New Knowledge Adventures is in its sixth year of offering classes to people age 50 and over. Because of COVID-19, its classes have moved online, said Carol Hourcade, who chairs the outreach committee for the organization.

"If you take a class on a certain subject, another class member is in that class because you share some commonalities," she said. "And so, there have been some very strong friendships that have formed among people who take the classes also."

Hourcade noted that continuing education can improve brain health. Classes span a wide variety of subjects, from Idaho history to understanding Alzheimer's disease and dementia, to a how-to guide for making liqueurs. New Knowledge Adventures is supported by AARP Idaho and Idaho State University's Meridian Health Science Center.

Hourcade described the classes as having a relaxed atmosphere. In other words, it isn't like college; folks aren't graded. Last fall was New Knowledge Adventures' first semester online. When the semester ended, she said, the organization asked people for feedback about how they'd like to meet in the future.

"Surprisingly," she said, "the majority of people would like to see us move toward a hybrid model, where there are some in-person classes in the Treasure Valley, and then also virtual classes that will be more accessible to people further away from the Treasure Valley, and in other states."

Because the courses take place online, people can sign up on the day they take place. They're being offered today, through May.

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy.

Marissa Volpe, associate state director of livable and diverse communities for the group, said the academy will show participants how public policies are made and give them the tools they need to make communities even better for people of all ages to live, work and play.

"It's pretty expansive," Volpe acknowledged. "We're talking everything from 'Can I afford where I live, can I get to where I need to go, can I stay in my community, can I have access to quality health care?'" Volpe outlined.

Part of AARP's national Livable Communities initiative, the academy will focus on key policies that can be implemented at state, regional and local levels. There will be a total of eight sessions, all conducted virtually, starting Oct. 1. The deadline to apply is Aug. 8.

Participants will examine pilot programs at work in places like Denver that have been successful at reducing social isolation and improving pedestrian safety. A big emphasis will be on so-called smart growth policies linking affordable housing with transportation options, making it easier for people to get to key appointments and other services.

"The idea is to create that housing near transportation that feels accessible," Volpe explained. "That feels reliable and safe for older adults; that has good lighting."

While there are no requirements for academy participants to join local boards or committees, Volpe noted she hopes people will find a way to use what they learn and become more engaged in improving communities.

"A major part of healthy aging is maintaining a purpose, why to get up every morning," Volpe emphasized. "This work lends itself to that, it lends itself to really making a difference."

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their
ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded grant funding.

Through Community Challenge grants, AARP's Livable Communities initiative has awarded more than $65,000 across four Mississippi nonprofits and government entities.

Kimberly Campbell, state director for AARP Mississippi, said the grants aim to support quick-action projects to improve public spaces, transportation, housing and digital access. She pointed out a local library is using the funds to expand its extensive print book collection to 50+ patrons.

"The Harrison County Library System was awarded $7,628," Campbell explained. "This project will provide wheeled walkers at three librarian branches, enabling older visitors to pursue the shelves independently."

Campbell noted this year, AARP has awarded $3.8 million to 343 organizations nationwide. AARP Community Challenge grants will be implemented nationwide, with a quick turnaround for project completion by Dec. 15.

The Jackson Heart Foundation provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular care to its patients and received an $18,000 Community Challenge grant.

"That project will create hydration stations and rest areas along the walking and biking trail frequented by older adults," Campbell emphasized. "Planned amenities include new water bottle filling stations, benches, bike racks, trash cans and shade trees."

Campbell added a Mississippi educational institution received funding to improve recreational activities.

"Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, they've been awarded $20,000," Campbell stated. "Their project will install outdoor fitness stations along the Walking Track popular with older adults. Several stations feature ADA compliant designs."

A $20,000 grant was awarded to the Laurel-Jones County Library System, to convert a donated trolley into a mobile library serving older adults in rural areas. The mobile library will provide residents with laptops, printers, Wi-Fi access and technology classes.

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging, according to a new Global Council on Brain Health report.

Sarah Lock, executive director of the council, said the report should be a wakeup call for everyone, especially older Americans. She urges people not to let the stigma sometimes associated with hearing loss get in the way of prioritizing hearing health.

"Hearing promotes emotional well being, mental well being and your cognitive health. It's just too important not to take care of," she said. "And when you can do something as simple as getting a hearing aid to correct hearing loss, why wouldn't you want to do that?"

Researchers say if left untreated, hearing loss also increases risks associated with social isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Lock added the report underscores warnings by the U.S. Surgeon General that the nation is experiencing a loneliness and social isolation epidemic, with health impacts equal to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Age-related hearing decline is not curable, but it can be treated with hearing aids that achieve the crucial goal of helping people hear better. While hearing loss is often associated with aging, Lock says it's important for people of all ages to protect their hearing.

"Pop those little foam plugs in your ears so that you're not having your ears assaulted at work or at noisy concerts. So there are simple things that you can do to protect your hearing, no matter what age you are," she explained.

An AARP survey found that nearly six in ten Americans age 50 and older have not had a hearing test in the past five years, as recommended. And only 38% said their hearing was excellent. But Lock pointed out nearly 8 in 10 say they would address hearing loss if they knew it could impact brain health.

"AARP offers free screenings for members. If you go to AARP.org/hearing, you can find the hearing center, and you can take a free hearing test over the phone," she continued.


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