Raging in Place

Gen-x aging resources and community

Category: Leisure & Recreation

Who says we have to slow down? Gen X is redefining leisure with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and lifelong learning. This section explores travel destinations, hobbies, and recreational activities that keep us feeling young at heart. #LeisureAndRecreation #GenX #Travel #Hobbies

  • What Transportation Services Benefit Midlife Adults in Tacoma?

    What Transportation Services Benefit Midlife Adults in Tacoma?

    Tacoma’s Ride Forward: Mobility Solutions for Midlife and Beyond

    CoGiR at the Narrows and BeyondRide Forge have partnered in Tacoma to enhance resident mobility. This initiative expands upon BeyondRide’s established transportation solutions.

    For those navigating midlife, maintaining independence is vital. This new partnership in Tacoma addresses the need for accessible and reliable transportation, a service BeyondRide already provides.

    As aging brings subtle changes, improved mobility becomes crucial. It ensures access to healthcare, social events, and community activities, enhancing quality of life. This partnership, leveraging BeyondRide’s platform, fosters independence.

    Tacoma values community connections. Therefore, enhanced transportation options are significant. By prioritizing accessibility, this partnership empowers residents to remain active and engaged, utilizing BeyondRide’s reliable services.

  • Supporting Our Aging Communities: NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants 2025

    Supporting Our Aging Communities: NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants 2025

    As our communities age, the need for robust support systems becomes increasingly critical. The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants for 2025 offer a significant opportunity for non-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults. For those of us in Generation X, now facing our own aging journeys and often caring for older relatives, these grants provide a vital resource to address the unique challenges of aging.

    The grants emphasize community engagement and serving diverse populations, both of which are crucial for aging communities. Programs that foster social connection, provide access to essential services, and promote healthy aging are highly encouraged. This aligns perfectly with the growing need for initiatives that combat social isolation and support independent living among older adults.

    For many in our generation, the desire to contribute to meaningful change in our later years is paramount. The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants offer a pathway to support programs that directly benefit aging individuals. Whether it’s funding for senior centers, transportation services, or programs that provide technological literacy to older adults, these grants can make a tangible difference.

    The application process requires a clear articulation of program goals and impact, highlighting the importance of well-structured initiatives that address specific needs within the aging community. As we navigate the complexities of aging, ensuring that our communities remain supportive and inclusive is essential.

    Consider programs that focus on:

    • Combating Social Isolation: Initiatives that create opportunities for social interaction and engagement.
    • Access to Healthcare: Programs that facilitate access to medical services and promote healthy aging.
    • Technological Literacy: Initiatives that bridge the digital divide and empower older adults to stay connected.
    • Caregiver Support: Programs that provide resources and support for those caring for aging loved ones.

    As we witness the increasing needs of aging populations, the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants provide a valuable opportunity to make a lasting impact. By supporting programs that enhance the lives of older adults, we can ensure that our communities remain vibrant and supportive for all ages.

    Reference:

    NBC Bay Area. (n.d.). NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants: 2025 Applications Open. Retrieved from https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/nbcuniversal-local-impact-grants/nbcuniversal-local-impact-grants-2025-applications/3814461/

  • Navigating the Heat: Seriously, the Weather is Aging Us?

    Navigating the Heat: Seriously, the Weather is Aging Us?

    Okay, so, you know how we’re all thinking about aging these days? Wrinkles, aches, the whole shebang. Well, turns out, it’s not just the years catching up – it’s the freaking weather. A new study dropped, and apparently, extreme heat is speeding up our biological clocks. Yeah, you read that right. Summer is now officially a time-traveling villain for your cells.

    According to research published in Aging and Disease, and highlighted by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, those scorching heat waves we’ve been grumbling about are doing more than just making us sweat. They’re messing with our telomeres – those little caps on our chromosomes that keep us from falling apart. And when those telomeres shorten faster, well, that’s your body hitting the fast-forward button on aging.

    Think about it: all those summers spent at the beach, those backyard barbecues, those sweltering commutes? Turns out, they weren’t just memories; they were potential time bombs for our cells. It’s kind of wild to think that something as basic as the temperature outside can have such a profound impact on our bodies.

    For those of us who grew up thinking we were invincible, this is a bit of a reality check. We’re not just dealing with the usual aging stuff; we’re also dealing with the effects of a planet that’s heating up. It’s like, we finally figure out the whole adulting thing, and now we have to worry about the weather aging us faster?

    So, what’s a person to do? Hydrate, stay cool, and maybe start investing in some serious AC. It’s not just about comfort anymore; it’s about survival. And maybe, just maybe, it’s about reminding ourselves that even the most mundane things can have a surprisingly big impact. Who knew that summer could be so… intense?

  • Vermont Arts Council Champions Creative Aging with New Grants

    Vermont Arts Council Champions Creative Aging with New Grants

    The Vermont Arts Council has announced $50,000 in grants. These grants will support creative aging programs across the state. This investment demonstrates the Council’s commitment to the well-being of older adults. Twelve organizations will receive funding. Consequently, they can offer a diverse range of arts-based activities. The goal is twofold: fostering creativity and building community connections.

    The Creative Aging program, a partnership with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, recognizes art’s vital role in healthy aging. Specifically, the $50,000 will support various programs. For instance, these include creative movement and circus arts in St. Johnsbury. Furthermore, they extend to classes in Lamoille County, featuring clay, photography, printmaking, and writing. Moreover, specialized programs, like “Movement for Parkinson’s” in Burlington, show art’s power to address specific needs. A full list of funded programs is available on the Vermont Arts Council website: https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/organizations/creative-aging.

    For Generation X, these programs offer a glimpse into the possibilities of creative aging. As we navigate midlife, staying engaged, connected, and creative becomes increasingly important. These initiatives not only enrich the lives of older adults but also serve as a reminder to plan for our own later years. How do we envision ourselves aging? What role will creativity and community play? The Vermont Arts Council’s investment offers valuable inspiration. Indeed, it underscores the potential for vibrant and fulfilling later years. These programs, importantly, aren’t just about filling time. They foster a sense of purpose. Additionally, they maintain cognitive function. Finally, they combat social isolation. All these factors are crucial for healthy aging. In short, they help shift the narrative around aging, moving from decline to growth and engagement.

  • YMCA Offers Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging

    YMCA Offers Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging

    Let’s face it, the rearview mirror is getting bigger and the road ahead, well, it’s getting longer. Aging is a fact of life, but how we age is something we can influence. The YMCA of Delaware is stepping up to the plate with a new holistic program designed to promote healthy aging, and for those of us in Generation X, this could be a game-changer.

    A recent article in Delaware Live highlights the program’s focus on a comprehensive approach to wellness. This isn’t just about hitting the gym (though that’s certainly part of it). The YMCA’s initiative recognizes that healthy aging involves more than just physical fitness. It encompasses mental and social well-being too.

    The article emphasizes the importance of addressing the interconnectedness of these aspects of health. For Generation X, this holistic approach resonates. We’re the sandwich generation, juggling careers, families, and often, the care of aging parents. The stresses are real, and they take a toll. A program that acknowledges this and offers resources to support mental and social health alongside physical fitness is invaluable.

    This holistic approach could be particularly beneficial for those of us navigating the unique challenges of mid-life. We’re at an age where we’re starting to see the effects of time, but we’re also still active and engaged in life. Maintaining our health and well-being is crucial for continuing to live life to the fullest. The YMCA’s program, with its focus on mind, body, and community, offers a promising pathway to do just that. It’s about more than just adding years to our lives; it’s about adding life to our years.

    This program could be a valuable resource for Generation X seeking to proactively manage their health and well-being as they age. It’s a reminder that aging is not a passive process, but an active one, and that we have the power to shape our own experiences.

  • Novelist Tom Robbins has died

    Novelist Tom Robbins has died

    Tom Robbins, the novelist known for books such as “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” and “Jitterbug Perfume”, has died at age 92.


    Story and video on King5.

  • The Graying of the City: Can NYC’s Aging Services Keep Pace?

    The Graying of the City: Can NYC’s Aging Services Keep Pace?

    NYC’s Aging Population: A Growing Concern

    New York City’s population is aging, mirroring a national trend. A recent Amsterdam News article explores this shift and questions whether city funding for aging services can keep pace with the growing demand. The article highlights the increasing number of older adults in NYC and the potential strain on existing resources. Concerns arise about the adequacy of funding for programs supporting seniors, including healthcare, affordable housing, and social services.

    This is particularly relevant for Generation X. Sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials, we’re now facing our own aging process. Many of us juggle caring for aging parents, navigating career transitions, planning for retirement, and supporting younger family members. Consequently, an underfunded system for senior services in a city like New York is a legitimate concern.

    For Generation X considering retirement or relocation, the availability and quality of senior services are critical factors. Will there be enough affordable housing options? Will healthcare facilities handle the increased demand? Will community programs support social engagement and combat isolation? These are questions we must ask as we plan for our future.

    Furthermore, the situation in New York City, as highlighted by the Amsterdam News article, reflects a broader societal challenge. As the population ages, cities and governments must prioritize funding for programs supporting older adults. Our well-being, and that of future generations, depends on it. Therefore, we must advocate for policies ensuring access to quality care and resources for seniors, nationwide.

    Do you live in NYC? How is aging in the big city going for you?

  • Speedcubing: My Brain Needs All the Help It Can Get

    Speedcubing: My Brain Needs All the Help It Can Get

    Alright, I’ll admit it – my attention span is shot. I start one thing, get distracted by something shiny, and the next thing I know, I’ve fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole for three hours. So, when I heard about speedcubing being good for the brain, I thought, “My brain needs all the help it can get!”

    Now, I’m not going to lie, I’ve never actually solved a Rubik’s Cube. I mean, I’ve tried, but I usually end up just making it more of a mess. But apparently, speedcubing isn’t just about being the fastest (which I’m definitely not). It’s about challenging your brain, improving memory and focus, and maybe even feeling that “flow” state we all miss from our younger days.

    Brain Boost for the Forgetful

    Remember when we could remember everything? Phone numbers, song lyrics, where we left our keys? Yeah, me neither. But speedcubing supposedly helps with memory, and I’m all for anything that might help me find my glasses more often. Plus, it’s supposed to be good for problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, which, let’s be honest, could also use a tune-up. As the BBC points out in their article “Speedcubing: The retro hobby that can help boost happiness levels,”  these cognitive benefits can have a real impact on our daily lives.

    The “Flow” State: Remember That?

    Remember that feeling of being totally absorbed in something, where time just flew by? That’s the “flow” state, and apparently, speedcubing can help you get there. I don’t know about you, but I could use a little more “flow” and a little less “where did I put my coffee?” in my life.

    Community and Competition (Optional)

    The cool thing is, there’s a whole community of speedcubers out there. You can find groups online, share tips, and even compete if you’re feeling brave (I’m not). But even if you’re just doing it by yourself, it’s still a fun way to challenge your brain and maybe even feel a sense of accomplishment for once. The “Senior Cubers Worldwide” online group mentioned in the article “Providing Opportunities for Seniors: The Caring Cubing Community Holds Second Class” sounds like a great place to connect with others who are embracing this hobby at any age.

    So, Should You Try It?

    Even if you’re as easily distracted as I am, and you’ve never solved a Rubik’s Cube in your life, why not give speedcubing a shot? There are tons of resources online, and who knows, you might even find it’s the perfect brain boost for us scatterbrained Gen Xers.

    Worst case scenario, you have a colorful cube to fidget with. Best case scenario, you improve your memory, focus, and maybe even find your keys for once. And hey, if you actually manage to solve the cube, you’ll officially be smarter than me!