The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) is the designated state agency on aging and is mandated to provide leadership relative to aging issues on behalf of older persons in the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCAD is providing the following programs and services: Options for Community Living: In-home care, meals, homemaker and personal care services Public Guardianship: Court-appointment …

Social connections are important no matter our age. For many older Tennesseans, social isolation is a complex issue affecting their health status and quality of life. The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability has new support programs to help the state’s older adults who are facing social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Care Through Conversation program helps ensure …

The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee (COA) partners with community organizations to find solutions for older adults, families, and caregivers in a 13-county service area. These programs and services have been created as a direct result of unmet needs in the greater Middle Tennessee area and COA’s mission to convene necessary groups to gather data, observe practices, and find …

During stressful times—like the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic—it’s more important than ever for pastors and lay volunteers to nurture healthy relationships with older adults. Because COVID-19 is spread when individuals are in close proximity to one another, older adults’ risk of contracting the virus increases as they are around more people. While many churches have renewed in-sanctuary worship, older adults can be at a greater risk worshipping in person. Yet, older adults face the challenges of isolation and loneliness when they stay at home.

by Pat Brandenstein

You have a purpose if you are still breathing!

On September 30, 1993, I was working as a school nurse in the clinic at DeSoto (Texas) East Junior High School. The phone rang and a man said he was calling from the DeSoto Police Department. My heart immediately stopped. I was thinking of my 16-year-old daughter who had just received her driver’s license.

As more grandparents are charged with increased childcare responsibilities during the pandemic, they need updated information for raising and caring for grandchildren. The landscape of child caring and child rearing looks very different from when most older adults raised their own children. The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee has created tips for grandparents who may be faced with the …

The purpose of the Golden Cross Foundation is to fund the expansion of older adult ministries and services in the Tennessee Conference. The foundation is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors with representatives from all five districts of the Tennessee Conference.

Are you feeling lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic? You’re not alone. Many people are feeling lonely and isolated. But, feeling lonely or being isolated can be bad for your health. Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with higher rates of depression, a weakened immune system, heart disease, dementia, and early death. Are You at Risk? Try to stay active …

In 2018, Open Table Nashville (OTN) received a Golden Cross Foundation grant for $60,000. Money from the grant is being used to build two of the 24 micro homes at The Village of Glencliff located on the grounds of Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville. When complete, these two micro homes will house older adults experiencing homelessness. While the pandemic …