As Older Americans Month begins, Sanford Center for Aging reflects on the profound impact of its work in enhancing the lives of older adults in Nevada. Throughout May, the organization celebrates the resilience, wisdom and contributions of elders, and reaffirms the commitment to supporting them in living fulfilling and independent lives.

Of Nevada’s 17 counties, 10 have a 65 years and older population exceeding 19%. Despite this demographic shift, the 2021 Nevada physician workforce profile reveals a scarcity of geriatricians, with only 57 actively working in Nevada, translating to a ratio of one physician for every 11,984 individuals aged 60 years or older. In light of these increasing demands, the Sanford Center continues its mission to enhance the well-being of older adults through education, translational research and community outreach. Through a diverse array of programs and services, the organization addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by elders, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive.

During Older Americans Month, Sanford Center is proud to highlight the following initiatives and accomplishments from fiscal year 2023:

• Community Wellness: 294 participants joined free, evidence-based health and wellness programs including Fit & Strong, Chronic Pain Self-Management and Diabetes Prevention. One participant from Fit & Strong noted that the class helped improve leg strength, making it easier to navigate stairs.
• Medication Therapy Management: 127 medication reviews completed by the Sanford Geriatric Pharmacist and in the past year alone, the reviews have helped 44 individuals (35%) discontinue at least one prescription medicine, 31 individuals (24%) discontinue at least one over-the-counter medicine, and 55 individuals discontinue at least one supplement.
• Geriatric Specialty Care Center: 131 appointments completed including comprehensive assessments and follow-up visits, with one patient sharing “The information and recommendations were presented factually with compassion. We left feeling supported and relieved that we were not alone on our journey. Alzheimer's can be very isolating, especially in a world that is already so divided and isolating."
• Transportation: 1,446 rides completed by both volunteers and the Sanford Center van for elders attending doctor’s appointments, going to the grocery store and much more. A brief success story from the director of Community Services, involves two new clients, a brother and sister who currently live with their niece. “Between Sanford volunteers, a van driver and minimal reliance on UBER, this client has been able to make their appointments without worrying about reliability or cost. While we are glad we are getting the client to the important appointments, this situation in particular was a great reminder that our services impact those who don’t directly use our services. The relief, worry and stress we have been able to alleviate from the niece of this client is felt through her gratitude for our services.” 
• Senior Outreach Services: 89 older adults in Washoe County were paired with a volunteer to provide companionship. One of our volunteers has been with her client who suffers from memory loss for over two years. The volunteer is mindful that memory loss triggers frustration with her client, so she is careful not to ask too many questions that require a recall in memory. The volunteer and client have built a strong rapport and look forward to their weekly visits together. They share favorite cooking recipes and although the client has family members in town, she enjoys the volunteer’s companionship and friendship.
• OLLI at University of Nevada, Reno: 1,223 members enjoyed lectures, interest groups and much more at the lifelong learning institute. One OLLI member said, “It’s better than school. There are no tests or grades, and the only prerequisite is curiosity.”
• Nevada Geriatric Education Center: 2,191 learners attended our educational offerings for both healthcare providers and caregivers. One participant who is a caregiver said, “I have greatly appreciated this class. It is very difficult living with a person who has dementia. I often do my self-checks to see where my body language is, and my voice tone is. Still, it is hard. My mom is a runner and often I walk behind her for safety. I liked the options that were given on how to speak with a person and how to offer directions.”
• Gerontology Academic Program: 26 enrolled in the minor program and 28 enrolled in the certificate program at the University of Nevada, Reno. One student shared, “I found the curriculum to be the most helpful. All of the knowledge provided has been extremely useful in both my professional and personal life.”

"As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions that elders make to our community," said Peter Reed, director of the Sanford Center for Aging. "At Sanford Center, we are honored to serve and support older adults in Nevada, and we remain dedicated to promoting their health, happiness, and independence."

Throughout Older Americans Month and beyond, Sanford Center will continue its mission to empower older adults and ensure they can age with dignity, respect and joy. To learn more about our programs and services, please visit Sanford Center's webpage. To learn more success stories, please follow Sanford on Facebook.