United Way’s Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) helps older adults and people with disabilities live safe, informed, fulfilling lives. With several important initiatives coming up, now is the perfect time to get involved. From raising awareness about fraud prevention and fighting elder abuse to honoring the contributions of older adults, UWAAA is committed to making a meaningful difference in seniors’ lives.
Celebrating Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor the contributions of senior citizens. The 2025 theme “Flip the Script on Aging” challenges stereotypes and promotes a new perspective on aging. By shifting the conversation, we can better recognize the wisdom, resilience and continued contributions of older adults in our community.
UWAAA is committed to supporting older adults through a wide variety of programs, including:
- Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): A one-stop, in-person call center for information on all the programs and services offered by UWAAA and beyond.
- Alabama Cares: A vital resource for family caregivers that provides education, respite care and emotional support.
Protecting Your Identity, Privacy and Bank Account: The Annual Fraud Summit
Scammers are getting smarter, and older adults are often their prime targets. That’s why UWAAA is hosting its annual Older Americans Month Fraud Summit on Wednesday, May 7th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center.
This free event is held in partnership with Senior Medicare Patrol and the Alabama Securities Commission as well as the Trussville Senior Center. Attendees will learn from expert speakers on ways to protect their identity, healthcare benefits, finances and more.
Last year, more than 150 seniors learned how scammers create a false sense of urgency to deceive their victims. From fake relatives in distress to fraudulent banking alerts, these scams can be devastating. Don’t miss your chance to gain expert insights and safeguard your personal information.
Register today by calling 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463).
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
While we celebrate aging, we must also address the serious issue of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th serving as a global call to action.
Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, financial and neglect. Warning signs include:
- Unexplained injuries or sudden changes in behavior.
- Financial exploitation or suspicious transactions.
- Poor hygiene, malnutrition or unmet medical needs.
UWAAA works to protect older adults through programs such as:
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Legal Assistance: Supports older adults facing financial or personal challenges.
You can make a difference by staying informed, checking in on older neighbors and loved ones and reporting concerns. If you suspect elder abuse, call the Alabama Department of Human Resources at 1-800-458-7214 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463).
Get Involved!
As we move into May and June, there are plenty of ways to get involved and advocate for older adults in our community. Attend the Fraud Summit, participate in Older Americans Month and take a stand against elder abuse. UWAAA also offers frequent volunteer opportunities among its many programs.
For more information about UWAAA’s programs and services, click here or call 1-800-AGE-LINE.