Aging King County

10/19/2026

Mary Pat O’Leary RN, BSN, a senior planner for Aging and Disability Services (ADS), writes that an important part of ADS work is health promotion. These are programs that help people manage chronic conditions, support their well-being, and stay engaged in their communities. Read the latest about this health promotion network.

Healthy aging can look different for everyone, and having access to the right information, programs, and support can make a big difference. Aging and Disability Services (ADS) continuously works with community partners to promote healthy aging and connect older adults and caregivers with services an...

10/15/2026

At a recent Civic Coffee event, panelists focused on social connectivity, loneliness, social isolation, and hearing loss. The lesson: Building social connection does not have to mean making a major change. It could be attending an event at the Seattle Public Library or a senior center, talking with a neighbor, reaching out to a friend, or asking for support with an accessibility need.

How can we strengthen social connections and support healthy aging? This was the question explored during Age Friendly Seattle and The Seattle Public Library’s August Civic Coffee event, which focused on social connectivity, loneliness, social isolation, and hearing loss. The panel featured insigh...

10/13/2026

Who can you trust for accurate information about vaccines and your health? Your healthcare provider, local pharmacist, and Public Health - Seattle & King County are here to help you find trustworthy information and make informed decisions.

Vaccines have been in the news a lot lately, and you might be wondering: Who can I trust for accurate information about vaccines and my health? We’ve got you! Your healthcare provider, local pharmacist, and Public Health–Seattle & King County are here to help you find trustworthy information and...

10/09/2026

Last month, the Mayor's Council on African American Elders and Age Friendly Seattle brought generations together to celebrate Grandparents Day and recognize the important role grandparents and elders play in our families and communities. On behalf of Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt officially proclaimed Sept. 13, 2026, as Grandparents Day in the City of Seattle.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), in partnership with the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders (MCAAE) and Age Friendly Seattle, brought generations together to celebrate Grandparents Day and recognize the important role grandparents and elders play in our fa...

10/07/2026

As Mental Illness Awareness Week continues, Joel Domingo writes: "Too often in advocacy circles, mental health is viewed as a private concern rather than a public issue. Yet the reality is that mental health is shaped not only by individual circumstances, but also by the communities in which we live."

As advocates for older adults, we often focus on issues such as housing, healthcare, transportation, and financial security. These are important concerns, but there is another issue that deserves equal attention: mental health. Emotional well-being affects every aspect of our lives, from our physica...

10/05/2026

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of mental health conditions.

In the latest edition of AgeWise King County, Alex O’Reilly writes: "Older adults often face more stigma due to behavioral health issues, which often can be written off as simply a result of growing older... Here in King County, there are many caring, dedicated and creative professionals who are trying to understand how to help older adults recognize and find help for mental health issues."

10/02/2026

On Sept. 21, Sound Generations hosted a panel discussion, the first in a series around crucial issues impacting older adults. The event brought together service providers, clinicians, advocates and community members to examine why older adults experiencing behavioral or mental health concerns, cognitive decline, and isolation struggle to get the help they need.

Read all about it in the latest edition of AgeWise King County.

On Monday, Sept. 21 at Town Hall Seattle, Sound Generations hosted a panel discussion, the first in a series around crucial issues impacting older adults. The event brought together service providers, clinicians, advocates and community members to examine why older adults experiencing behavioral or....

09/29/2026

AARP Washington is helping highlight the Chinatown-International District as a place where residents and visitors of all ages can connect with the stories, people, and experiences that make the CID unique.

Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering a favorite neighborhood, the CID offers countless opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and support one of Seattle's most treasured cultural destinations.

09/25/2026

Green Lake Community Boathouse, which is part of Seattle Parks and Recreation, launched an adaptive rowing program this summer that focuses on giving adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn to row.

Read all about it in the latest edition of AgeWise King County.

I’ve been a rower for more than 30 years. I became enthralled with the sport while watching rowers glide along the water in sleek rowing shells as I ran around Green Lake in Seattle. I took a Learn to Row class with Seattle Parks and Recreation, and then I was hooked! Luckily, as I age,... Read Mo...

09/23/2026

Old Friends Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for families navigating dementia. It offers independent and affordable daytime social gatherings where people living with dementia participate in music, games, conversation, and shared meals in a supportive, dementia-friendly environment.

Learn more in the latest edition of AgeWise King County.