Java - Peer Support for Older Adults
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

Java Group Programs: Fighting Loneliness and Isolation through Peer Support

Java Group Programs were created by Dr. Kristine Theurer. We sat down with Kristine to talk about the different components of the program and a new partnership with LeadingAge California kicking off in Spring of 2022. What is Java all about? Prolonged loneliness and social isolation are a silent tragedy in nursing homes. One resident Read More…

Already Toast
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

A Conversation with Kate Washington, author of Already Toast

Kate Washington is a Northern California writer whose book Already Toast chronicles her experiences caring for her husband Brad, seriously ill with a rare cancer. We sat down with Washington to talk about the gender politics at work in her story and hear her perspective on how to ease the struggles of unpaid family caregivers. Read More…

Older Adults with Dementia
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

The Power of Connection for Persons Living with Dementia

By Kristin Cole, AllyAlign Health. Expert Contributor: Dr. Tina Shenouda, Chief Medical Director, AllyAlign Health Human beings are social creatures. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, are happier, and have a sense of purpose. These activities help maintain Read More…

Employee Assistance Programs
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

The Benefits of EAPs

By Tuan Nguyen, Vice President, Relation Insurance Employee productivity is a vital contributor to the success of any business. At times, employees may be too overwhelmed by personal or behavioral problems to perform at their highest levels. Higher stress can lend itself to higher health risks and more costly health claims. Similarly, psychological problems, substance abuse, Read More…

Message from LeadingAge CA President and CEO Jeannee Parker Martin
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

A Message from the CEO: Self-Care

By Jeannee Parker Martin, president and CEO, LeadingAge California We hear daily about the two-year ‘anniversary’ of COVID-19 – closing down offices, working from home, staff burnout, the ‘great resignation,’ zoom calls from morning ‘til night, and more. On this second anniversary of the pandemic, I thought back on my own feelings of isolation, inability Read More…

California Older Adults
Engage Magazine Winter 2022

Q&A with Susan DeMarois: CDA Director on the Road Ahead

Susan DeMarois is the new Director of the California Department of Aging. She took on the role in November of 2021 after eight years with the Alzheimer’s Association as Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, and prior to that, California Government Affairs Director. We chatted about goals for the coming year, where priorities will lie, Read More…