Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967
PUBLICATION OF PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, HELPING PIMA COUNTY AGE WELL SINCE 1967 Never Too Late ISSUE 3 || MAY & JUNE 2026
Staying Social Reducing
social isolation with community
INSIDE The Dementia Daughter p. 4 Preparing for Summer Heat with TEP p. 6 Preventing Social Isolation as a Caregiver p. 8 Memory Cafés: Come as You Are p. 10 Protecting Veterans from Scams p. 17 Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde p. 22
INDEPENDENCE VITALITY RESPECT VISIT US AT pcoa.org
INSIDE
PCOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aging In Our Community . . . . ..... 3 The Dementia Daughter . . . . ...... 4 Preparing for Summer Heat . . . .... 6 Caregiver Support . . . . . . . ........ 8 Memory Cafés: Come as You Are . 10 Dementia Capable Southern Arizona . . . . . . . ....... 12 Healthy Living . . . . . . . . ......... 13 Ending Life Well . . . . . . . ........ 14 Medicare . . . . . . . . . . ........... 14 Community Offerings . . . . . ..... 16 Protecting Veterans from Scams . 17 Enhancing the Legacy of Military Service in Pima County . . 18 Neighbors Care Alliance . . . . .... 20 Nunca Es Demasiado Tarde . . ... 22
Estella R. Searcy, Chair Beth Smith, Vice Chair Ava S. Butler, Secretary Kristin Norstad, Treasurer Agnes C. Poore, RN, Immediate Past Chair
Never Too Late is published by Pima Council on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging, Region II. Material from Never Too Late may be reprinted when permission is given and attribution is used along with ©PCOA 2026. Editor Debbie Rich, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5043 drich@pcoa.org Graphic Designer Rebecca Manchester rmanchester@pcoa.org Advertising Jan Slonaker, (520) 790-7573 ext. 5076 jslonaker@pcoa.org Editorial and Advertising Deadline for Next Bi-Monthly Issue MAY 25, 2026 Please include a contact person name and phone number with all submitted material. All articles are subject to editing in accordance with technical and policy guidelines but will not be altered in content without permission of the author. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed. Ads are not to be considered as PCOA endorse- ments of products, services, or individuals.
Silvia Amparano Paula Chronister Piper Frithsen, RN Linda Hollis, PhD, EdS, MS, CPG
Christina Noz, Esq. C. Mary Okoye, Esq. Denise Taylor R. Wayne Wood, MD
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LET'S CONNECT Access our services is by calling our Helpline 8:30 am–5:00 pm Monday through Friday at (520) 790-7262 or emailing help@pcoa.org . Our 600 S. Country Club Rd. building is open for those requiring in-person assistance.
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Pima Council on Aging
AGING IN OUR COMMUNITY A Message from Our President & CEO, Robert Ojeda, PhD
T here is something powerful about being known. Not just recognized in passing but truly known, by a neighbor who checks in, a volunteer who shows up, a voice on the phone who remembers your name. These moments of connection are not small. They are the foundation of dignity. At Pima Council on Aging, we believe that aging with dignity is a human right. And dignity is not only about access to services; it is about belonging. It is about feeling seen, valued, and connected to the community around you. We serve older adults across all communities in Pima County. At the same time, we are clear about where our work must focus on those who have been most impacted by inequities, older adults in under-resourced communities, communities of color, and women who too often carry the weight of economic insecurity and caregiving alone.
For many, social isolation is not just about distance. It is shaped by barriers, limited income, lack of transportation, language access, systemic inequities, and the cumulative effects of being overlooked. What begins as isolation can become invisibility. And that is something we must change together. Because community has the power to restore what isolation takes away. Every day, we see what happens when people show up for one another. A neighbor offers a ride, and a conversation unfolds. A caregiver finds support and feels understood. A call to our Helpline becomes more than a request; it becomes a connection to someone who listens, responds, and stays. This is what neighboring looks like. This is what dignity looks like in action. At PCOA, we are committed to strengthening these connections, especially where they are needed most. Through programs
Robert Ojeda, PhD
together, in the everyday choices to reach out, to check in, to ensure no one is left behind. If you are reading this, you are part of that effort. You are part of the reason someone feels seen. You are part of what makes dignity real. As we move forward, I invite you to consider a simple question: Who in your life might be waiting for connection? Because aging with dignity is not something we achieve alone. It is something we create together. And in that shared commitment, we ensure that every older adult especially those who have been most overlooked can age with connection, respect, and the dignity they deserve. With gratitude,
like Neighbors Care Alliance, caregiver support groups, and community-based
outreach, we are building pathways to connection that are culturally responsive, accessible, and rooted in trust. But this work does not belong to one organization alone. Community is something we build
Robert Ojeda, PhD Chief Executive Officer Pima Council on Aging
Community lunch gathering at Casa de Encanto.
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Pima Council on Aging
The Dementia Daughter By Nicole J. Smith GUEST EDITORIAL
I flew to Iowa in June of 2021 to be with my dad when they placed a shunt in his brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid due to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, yet another type of dementia. I began calling myself a dementia daughter and devoured books, films, podcasts, and personal stories to learn as much as I could about the syndrome. Dementia is recognized as a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders. Some of the symptoms and behaviors related to dementia are common, but everyone’s experience is unique. Many people do not know that changes in the brain can begin 10-20 years before symptoms appear. Many early signs are missed because they are dismissed as senior moments, depression, or boredom. The US POINTER study determined that 45% of dementia may possibly be prevented through lifestyle behaviors: adequate sleep, stress reduction, diet, exercise, socialization, and lifelong learning. Memory loss is just one sign of dementia. Dementia can present as lack of executive function, getting lost in familiar places, confusion about seasons and dates, changes in personality, apathy, and story repetition. Changes are often subtle and sporadic at first. We called them “that’s weird” moments when we realized in hindsight the signs were there with Mom, but dementia was not on our radar. We didn’t know what to look out for. Frustration and confusion about decision making can be common for some. Mom was overwhelmed by reading the menu at a restaurant. Choices are difficult. When her food finally arrived, she denied ordering
the dish and blamed the mistake on the waiter. Paranoia and false accusations are common in those with dementia. They slowly retreat into their own reality. I finally learned that no amount of logic or explanation would work. I became educated on using distraction techniques and ‘fiblets’ or therapeutic fibbing, to allow Mom to remain confident in her own mindset. There was no point in trying to correct her. We had a difficult time navigating the legal, medical, financial, logistical, and emotional challenges of figuring out how to get help for Mom and convince her to move. My Aunt Nancy became my lifeline and partner in creating a plan. You cannot do this alone. A support network is critical to survive as a caregiver. Caregiving is overwhelming and exhausting. Caregiver creep happens when a daughter stops by to drop off a prescription or prepare a meal for aging parents. Within a couple of months this escalates into doing laundry, washing dishes, walking the dog, managing medications, booking appointments, and more. Many daughters are also working full time and raising their own kids when parents begin requiring more help and attention, whether they admit it or not. Distance makes this infinitely more difficult. We began building a team of family, friends, and paid professionals to work through the vast unknown. Nancy the nurse managed the med portals and discussions with doctors, we hired an elder law attorney, and we toured senior living communities.
Three of my parents were diagnosed with a different form of dementia within the same year. The family was spread across the United States and I became a cross-country caregiver before I was even aware of the term. My dementia discovery began in March 2020, right before the world shut down. I flew from my home in New Jersey to visit my mother in Los Angeles and accompany her to a baseline neurology appointment. She was in denial and I was clueless as to what this might mean. I would have been more insistent on bringing her back to New Jersey with me if I had known the shutdown would last more than two weeks (as originally predicted) and that social interaction is critically important in preventing cognitive decline. I knew nothing, I was green. In 2021 Mom went to a follow up neurology appointment that resulted in an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She refused to believe it and she demonstrated anosognosia, a condition where the person with a disease denies the signs and symptoms. I learned the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is the umbrella term for various forms of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s being the most common. I learned my mom’s older sister suffered from vascular dementia. In 2021 my stepmom was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at age 70.
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Pima Council on Aging
We had to be delicate and deceitful in making plans because Mom was against all of it. She alternated between being manic and afraid, to condescendingly narcissistic about her current situation. Dementia robs the brain of function slowly through the build up of plaques and tangles, dying neurons, and disrupted connections which cause the typical thought process to short circuit. This is a random, gradual process, not an on/off switch. Mom still had days where her brain
We moved to Tucson and learned that Arizona is one of the fastest growing states for Alzheimer’s and dementia related disease. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. Colleagues, neighbors, and family members are usually the first to notice something is off with their loved one. Educating people to pay attention to the small signs and to be proactive about pursuing a diagnosis is key. There is no known cause or cure, but early detection may enable some people to take advantage of current treatments available that can slow the progression of the disease. It is imperative that everyone put an end of life/aging plan in place, with or without dementia. People are living longer with chronic illness. Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Make legal, medical, and financial planning a priority. PCOA offers many resources in these categories, including information about support groups. You are not alone, tap into the network of reliable organizations such as PCOA, AARP, the GUIDE program from CMS (Medicare), and online caregiver networks including Daughterhood.org ◆ Nicole is an author, speaker, and advocate in dementia and eldercare planning. As a mother of five and part of the sandwich generation, Nicole became an expert through lived experience. Her book Diagnosis Dementia combines personal stories with practical advice to support people caring for parents. Learn more at njsmithbooks.com
with documented history to have her placed in a behavioral health facility, followed by a move into memory care. I was convinced that our experience was so outlandish and confounding that others might benefit from lessons learned through our epic escapades. I observed the landscape of eldercare resources to be vast and as equally overwhelming as dealing with a loved one with dementia. I cultivated and vetted information I found to be most helpful and began writing a book. I found the process of writing about our experience very cathartic and hope it will help others realize they are not alone in caregiving. Joining a support group is critical to survival. The shame, blame, and fear of dementia in society is slowly eroding. Dementia is everywhere.
was firing on all cylinders. She made sure to assert her authority and undo our efforts on many occasions. Two steps forward, one step back. The biggest hurdle when someone becomes a caregiver is not knowing what you don’t know. It is hard to know where to begin, who to call, or how to find help. We fumbled through and made limited progress until Mom disappeared one night and changed the already difficult course of proper planning to one of chaos and crisis. This is common. My previous espionage efforts to steal passwords, statements, documents, and mail from Mom’s office paid off at this point. We were able to locate her and get her admitted to the hospital through the ER. We knew enough of the terminology and were prepared
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Pima Council on Aging
Summer is right around the corner, but this year, hot temperatures began early. As the temperature rises, bills typically climb as we put our air conditioning units to the test to stay cool. Now is the time to get your home ready and set up programs to deal with seasonal costs. Here are some steps that you can take to help make seasonal bills more manageable. Sign up for Budget Billing to avoid surprises on your bills. Our Budget Billing program helps smooth out your costs by allowing you to pay the same amount each month, no matter how hot it gets, based on your average annual usage. The amount may be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in energy use or pricing. Instead of seeing spikes during the hottest time of the year, a consistent bill can help you better manage your budget. We hear that our customers are more satisfied when they know what’s coming. Sign up at tep.com/budgetbilling/ and read about the difference it made for one customer tep.com/news/ how-paying-the-same-bill-each- month-helps-one-customer/ . Use your air conditioning efficiently. Air conditioning is far and away one of the largest uses of electricity in homes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Set your Getting Ready for the Summer Heat with TEP By Sarah Tully Lev, Tucson Electric Power HEAT SAFETY
more about our Time-of-Use and other flexible pricing plans that reward energy conservation during times of high energy demand: tep.com/rates Tap into our other energy-saving programs. We offer a range of no-cost and low-cost ways to trim your energy use across your home. These include energy-saving tips for every room in your home, including a video series and other simple tips. We also offer rebates on energy-efficient products and services. Find our videos, tips and rebates here: tep.com/residential-energy-saving-tips/ Reach out if you’re struggling. You may qualify for bill payment assistance. If you’re behind on your bills, we have options to help make paying your bill a bit easier: tep.com/payment-assistance . Want to review your options? A member of our Customer Care team can walk you through which strategies are a good fit for how you use energy. Call us at 520-623-7711. At TEP, we’re also ramping up for the summer months. We prepare all year long to make sure our infrastructure is operating efficiently to take care of our customers when energy is needed the most. We work hard to advantage of renewable energy and be ready to provide electricity at peak times.
thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature to minimize your cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer. You can also use ceiling or oscillating fans to keep air moving so you feel cooler without increasing air conditioner use. Make sure to use shades, blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out, especially during the afternoon in rooms facing west. Regularly maintaining your unit also keeps it operating efficiently. TEP offers rebates on HVAC tune-ups, coil cleans and refrigerant recharge to maintain functionality of cooling units. It’s best to schedule your maintenance before the summer months to be ready to stay cool. Find more information about our rebates and programs at tep.com/efficient-home-program . Track your usage. With our online energy tracker, My Energy Usage at tep.com/ my-energy-usage/ you can review your daily and hourly consumption and compare it to your historic usage. You can also review on-peak, off-peak, and demand usage for the month. Log in to your TEP account online or on our mobile app to get started. In addition to helping you save energy, learning about your usage allows you to determine which of our pricing plans might be the best fit. Learn
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Pima Council on Aging
cross arms with the use of an insulated “hot stick.” The training mimicked work to repair electrical infrastructure or install new parts while power lines are energized with electrical current. These exercises underscore TEP’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. • Updating infrastructure: Each year, we make investments in our systems to prepare for increasing energy needs. Those include investing in new and upgraded distribution lines, making improvements in area substations to feed our
Here are some of the steps that we take: • Planning ahead: Given the extensive infrastructure we need to maintain, we plan years in advance for the extreme heat of summer. Our resource planners work closely with our grid operators and construction teams in tracking regional growth, evaluating forecasted summer temperatures, planning and executing upgrades and making sure there is enough power supply to support the anticipated energy needs of our community and the expectations of our customers. • Training our employees: In the spring, line crews were trained to make repairs and replacements on energized equipment to minimize service outages to customers, especially during the heat of summer. Journeyman line workers and apprentices practiced removing distribution lines from power pole PREPARING FOR EXTREME HEAT Remember to be safe in hot weather. Take steps now to prepare for the possibility of a power outage during a sustained heat event. Make a plan. Find out where you can go to stay cool, whether a public library, your local church, a shopping mall, or public cooling center. Pima County lists the locations of cooling centers and hydration stations around Tucson.
Journeyman line workers and apprentices practiced removing distribution lines from power pole cross arms with the use of an insulated “hot stick.”
neighborhoods and businesses, and replacing wood poles with stronger metal poles. ◆
Visit pima.gov/heat to find cooling centers near you. Sign up for emergency alerts from the Pima County Office of Emergency Management at MyAlerts.pima.gov and plan to monitor weather alerts and news websites. Ask your doctor how to meet your specific medical needs and have a plan to stay in touch with family and friends. Gather critical supplies. Keep drinking water and non-perishable food items on hand. Also: flashlights, batteries, solar chargers for your devices,
medication, and other critical items. Check FEMA’s “Build a Kit” webpage at ready.gov/kit . Build connections with neighbors. Heat-related illnesses may be reported later in the day since the cumulative impact of heat can cause body temperatures to rise if relief isn’t available. Plan to check in on each other, including older adults or vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance.
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Pima Council on Aging
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Preventing Social Isolation as a Family Caregiver By Kelley Hansen, Aging and Caregiving Specialist
• Take mini breaks or time outs: Even 10–15 minutes to read, walk, or just breathe counts. Find a quiet place and pause. • Use respite or companion care: Having someone professional come in occasionally lets you recharge while your loved one stays safe and happy. Take this time to do something just for you. Remember: You Matter Too Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is an important part of taking care of your loved one. When you are rested and socially connected, you can give better care and feel less stressed. Even small steps to stay social and look after your own needs can make a huge difference. If you do not take care of yourself, then your health can decline. Then who will take care of your loved ones? For more information regarding respite, or ways to socialize, contact PCOA at (520) 790-7262. ◆
• You feel emotionally drained or unsupported. • Hobbies and things you used to enjoy feel like a thing of the past. Did you say “yes” to any of these? Then it might be time to take a step back for yourself. Small Ways to Stay Connected You do not need to make huge changes; small actions make a big difference. • Keep in touch: Quick phone calls, text messages, or even short coffee breaks with friends can lift your mood and have meaningful interaction. • Accept help: Let family, friends, or neighbors step in—even for just an hour—so you can take a breather. They can help with errands, meals, or just visit with the care recipient. • Find support groups: Connecting with other caregivers who share similar connections can be incredibly reassuring. There are online and in person groups.
Being a family caregiver can feel like a full-time job… because it is! But sometimes, in all the caring for others, you forget to care for yourself. It is easy to start feeling isolated, and before you know it, your social life has disappeared. Here is what to watch for and some simple ways to stay connected. Signs You’re Becoming Isolated Caregivers may not notice that they are isolating. Pay attention if you notice any of these creeping up: • You keep saying “no” or canceling plans with friends or family. • All your time is spent caring for your loved one, and you feel like there is no time for you. • You rarely leave the house except for caregiving tasks.
My grandpa is in the early stages of dementia... It’s a lot to manage with my school, work, and other responsibilities, but I have to make sure he’s getting the care and medication he needs…
Connect to trusted caregiver resources today. Visit pcoa.org or call the Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
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Pima Council on Aging
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
MAY Tuesday, May 5 12:00–1:30 pm (Oro Valley) Impact of S. Arizona 15930 N. Oracle Rd. Activity Center Conference Room Thursday, May 7 1:00–2:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Monday, May 11 1:00–2:30 pm (Green Valley) Friends Indeed 301 W. Camino Casa Verde, Room C Tuesday, May 12 10:30 am–12:00 pm (Marana) Nanini Library 7300 Shannon Rd. Monday, May 18 1:00–2:30 pm (Midtown) The Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center 600 S. Country Club Rd., TEP Room Tuesday, May 19 10:00–11:30 am (North) AARP Arizona 6700 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 331 Tucson, Arizona 85704, Classroom Thursday, May 21 1:30–3:00 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Tuesday, May 26 9:00–10:30 am (Southwest) Tucson Estates 5900 W. Western Way Circle Recreation Center, Board Conference Room
JUNE Tuesday, June 2 12:00–1:30 pm (Oro Valley) Impact of S. Arizona 15930 N. Oracle Rd. Activity Center Conference Room Thursday, June 4 1:00–2:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Monday, June 8 1:00–2:30 pm (Green Valley) Friends Indeed 301 W. Camino Casa Verde, Room C Tuesday, June 9 10:30 am–12:00 pm (Marana) Nanini Library 7300 Shannon Rd. Monday, June 15 1:00–2:30 pm NEW LOCATION (Midtown) Eckstrom-Columbus Library Tuesday, June 16 10:00–11:30 am (North) AARP Arizona 6700 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 331 Tucson, Arizona 85704, Classroom Wednesday, June 17 1:30–3:00 pm VIRTUAL IDEA! Strategy Workshop Monday, June 22 11:00 am–12:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom Tuesday, June 23 9:00–10:30 am (Southwest) Tucson Estates 5900 W. Western Way Circle Recreation Center, Board Conference Room In-Person Meeting 4350 E. 22nd Street
The Value of Caregiver Support Groups By Tonetta Clay, Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Caregiver support groups offer a safe space to connect with others who truly understand the challenges of caregiving. These groups reduce feelings of isolation by reminding caregivers they are not alone in their experiences. Sharing stories, frustrations, and successes can be both relieving and empowering. Support groups also provide practical tips, emotional encouragement, and new perspectives on handling difficult situations. Whether in person or online, attending FOR MORE INFORMATION on support groups may benefit you or to RSVP for a support group listed here, please contact Support Group Facilitator, Tonetta Clay at tclay@pcoa.org or (520) 305-3405. RSVPs are required for all support groups. can build a sense of community and belonging, something many caregivers lose along the way. Making time for a support group is not just helpful, it is an important step toward maintaining emotional well-being and preventing burnout. ◆ regularly can help caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Many participants find comfort in simply being able to speak openly without judgment. Over time, these connections
Wednesday, May 27 11:00 am–12:30 pm VIRTUAL Meeting on Zoom
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Pima Council on Aging
COMMUNITY & WELL-BEING Come as You Are: How Memory Cafés are Pulling People Back into Community By the Never Too Late Editorial Team For people living with dementia and the people who love them, isolation can feel like a second diagnosis. A growing movement is changing that, one cup of coffee at a time.
often just as severe as that of the person they care for. Caregiving is a full-time commitment that leaves little room for a social life. Many caregivers quietly abandon friendships, hobbies, and their own sense of identity in the daily work of tending to someone they love. By the time they recognize how alone they feel, the habit of withdrawal is already deeply grooved. At a Memory Café, both people receive something they need. While a loved one with dementia is engaged, in conversation, in an activity, in simply being among people who understand, the caregiver is free to be a person, not a caregiver, for a little while. They sit with others who share their experience. They laugh at the same things. They speak the shorthand of people who have navigated the same impossible terrain. That peer connection is not a side effect of the Memory Café. It is the whole idea. More Than a Diagnosis One of the most corrosive effects of dementia, for the person living with it and for the people around them, is the way the diagnosis can come to eclipse everything else. The disease becomes a noun. The person becomes secondary. Memory Cafés insist on a different framing. Through music that stirs long-held memories, through art that Isolation can feel like a second diagnosis. Memory Cafés offer the antidote: belonging.
Picture a sunlit room with small tables, the smell of fresh coffee, a familiar song drifting from a speaker in the corner. People are laughing. Someone is leafing through old photographs. A woman at the next table leans over and says, “I remember that song.” Nobody asks her to explain herself. Nobody checks a chart. She is simply, fully, here. This is the quiet power of a Memory Café, and it is anything but ordinary. Not a Support Group. Something Better. Let’s be clear about what a Memory Café is not. It is not a clinical appointment. It is not a support group with a facilitator’s agenda. There is no circle of chairs, no tissue box at the center of the room, no expectation that anyone will share their worst day. A Memory Café is, simply, a social event. It is structured as a gathering, think café-style seating, light refreshments, maybe an activity like music, art, or reminiscence, designed to feel as natural and welcoming as meeting a friend for coffee. The only entry requirement is that you show up. That simplicity is the point. For families navigating dementia, the world is already full of appointments and assessments and clinical language. The Memory Café is a place that asks nothing of you except your presence.
The World Gets Smaller. The Café Pushes Back.
There is a particular kind of loneliness that comes with dementia, one that most people don’t talk about. As the diagnosis progresses, the social world contracts. Friends drift away, unsure of what to say. Invitations stop arriving. Outings become too complicated, too unpredictable, too exhausting to manage. The person living with dementia withdraws. And almost always, their caregiver withdraws right along with them. Researchers call this “progressive social shrinkage,” and it is one of the most significant quality-of-life consequences of the disease. It accelerates cognitive decline, deepens depression, and strips away the sense of personhood that every human being deserves to keep, regardless of diagnosis. Memory Cafés are designed specifically to push back against that shrinkage. By creating a stigma-free environment, one where participants are accepted and understood rather than evaluated or pitied, they offer something the outside world rarely provides: a place where dementia is not the most remarkable thing in the room. For Caregivers, the Need is Just as Real Here is the part that surprises most people: the caregiver’s isolation is
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Pima Council on Aging
Dementis Capable Southern Arizona in the Community Join our community today! Please visit bit.ly/memory-cafes for café-specific information or to register.
bypasses the need for words, through the simple act of a conversation in which someone listens without waiting to redirect or correct, these gatherings affirm that each participant is a full human being with a history, a personality, and a place in community. The cognitive engagement that happens in these settings, reminiscence, creative expression, shared laughter, is not a therapeutic exercise. It is just what happens when people come together and are treated with dignity. A Bridge Back to the World There is also a practical dimension to what Memory Cafés make possible. For many caregivers, the informal peer connections formed over coffee eventually lead to something more: a referral to a formal service they didn’t know existed, information about a resource they’d been struggling to find, or simply the reassurance that asking for help is not a failure. In normalizing the caregiving experience, the Memory Café does something quietly profound: it breaks the isolation that keeps people from seeking the support they need. When caregiving is something that happens in community rather than in secret, it becomes more sustainable. And when it is sustainable, everyone benefits. None of this requires a medical degree or a clinical protocol. It requires a welcoming room, a pot of coffee, and the belief that every person, regardless of diagnosis, deserves to belong somewhere. That’s a belief worth showing up for. ◆
BILINGUAL/BILINGÜE Casa de Encanto Memory Café Mondays, May 11 & June 8 lunes, 11 de mayo & 8 de junio 10:00-11:00 am CPLC Casa de Encanto 250 N. Silverbell Rd. Tucson, AZ 85745 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Mariana Gutierrez at (520) 310-4516. Casa del Pueblo Memory Café Tuesdays, May 7 & June 4 martes, 7 de mayo & 4 de junio 10:00-11:00 am CPLC Casa del Pueblo 4975 S. Liberty Ave. Tuscon, AZ 85706 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Amee Gonzalez at (520) 310-2915. Memory Café with YWCA Thursdays May 21 & June 18 jueves, 21 de mayo & 18 de junio 10:00-11:00 am House of Neighborly Services 243 W. 33 rd St. Tucson, AZ 85713 Registration requested. Favor de confirmar su asistencia. Contact/ contaco Maria Ornelas at (520) 596-0115.
AARP Memory Café Fridays, May 29 & June 26 10:00—11:30 am AARP Tucson Office 6700 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 331 Tucson, AZ 85704 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Café Wednesdays, May 13 & Jun 10 421 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85704 Memory Café at The Katie Wednesdays, May 13 & 27, and June 10 & 24 10:00–11:00 am Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Esperanza Memory Café Thursdays, May 14 & June 11 2:00–3:00 pm United Methodist Church Green Valley 300 W. Esperanza Blvd. Green Valley, AZ 85614 3:00–4:00 pm Beyond Bread Posada Life Memory Café Fridays, May 15 & June 19 1:00–2:00 pm La Posada Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave. Green Valley, AZ 85614
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Pima Council on Aging
DEMENTIA CAPABLE SOUTHERN ARIZONA Upcoming Presentations Dementia 101
Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 2 Take a deeper dive looking at caregiver strategies, common challenges, and approaches to caring for someone with dementia. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. VIRTUAL Tuesday, June 16 3:00–4:30 pm Online Zoom presentation IDEA! Strategy A 3-step strategy to help you figure out why a behavior is happening and how to deal with it. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. Thursday, June 4 10:00–11:30 pm Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) 600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 VIRTUAL Wednesday, June 17 1:30–3:00 pm Online Zoom presentation End of Life Care Planning When Living with a Dementia Diagnosis Understand end of life care decisions, decision-making authority, and advance directives. VIRTUAL Tuesday, June 23 3:00–4:30 pm Online Zoom presentation
Learn about what dementia is and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities. Understand common signs of dementia and how to approach memory concerns. VIRTUAL Tuesday, June 2 3:00–4:30 pm Online Zoom presentation
Register online at bit.ly/DCSAevents or by scanning the QR code.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on the presentations, please contact Nicole Thomas at nthomas@pcoa.org or (520) 790-7573 ext. 1739. EnhanceFitness®: Strong and Capable Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 1:00–2:00 pm Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Tucson, AZ 85711 An interactive fitness program for both those living with memory loss and mobility challenges and their caregivers! EnhanceFitness® is an evidence-based falls prevention and physical activity program specifically designed for older adults. For more information and to register please email DCSA@pcoa.org or call (520) 790-7573 ext.1748 .
Memory Loss: Progressions, Behaviors, and Interventions Part 1 Dive into the progression of dementia, the brain changes that occur, and care tips. This presentation is designed for family members and other caregivers. VIRTUAL Tuesday, June 9 3:00–4:30 pm Online Zoom presentation
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Pima Council on Aging
HEALTHY LIVING
Upcoming Classes NEW LOCATION for classes formerly held at The Katie Dusenberry
El Rio Recreation Center 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am–12:00 pm Udall Park, Carol West Senior Center 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am–12:00 pm Clements Regional Center, Fitness Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30–9:30 am REGISTER ONLINE AT: bit.ly/PCOAEnhanceFitness Oro Valley Recreation Center 10555 N. La Canada Dr., Oro Valley Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00–10:00 am Call (520) 544-1900 to register.
EnhanceFitness® Program EnhanceFitness® is developed specifically for older adults, with exercises focusing on four key areas important to your health and fitness: stretching and flexibility, low impact aerobics, strength training, and balance. You can join us no matter what your current level of fitness is because we offer seated, standing and virtual exercise options. This is no average fitness class! EnhanceFitness® is an evidence-based program backed by years of research, w hich means it is scientifically proven to: • Improve strength and balance
Healthy Aging Center (PCOA) Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Monday, Wednesday, Friday In-Person (IP) 10:30–11:30 am Remote (R) 10:30–11:30 am Tucson Estates (TENHN) 5900 W. Western Way Circle Monday (Recreation Hall) Wednesday, Friday (Multi-Purpose Hall) 10:30–11:30 am
Randolph Recreation Center 200 S. Alvernon Way, Bldg. 1 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00–10:00 am
• Increase flexibility • Boost activity levels • Improve mood • Help prevent falls
Can’t Attend an In-person Class? Explore healthy fitness options in the comfort of your own home! Check out our Healthy Tidbits videos online with your phone, tablet, or laptop. Videos range from 15 minutes to an hour and offer instruction on activities including chair yoga, seated cardio, balance, strength exercises, and more. VISIT: bit.ly/HealthyTidbits
FOR MORE INFORMATION about EnhanceFitness® classes please contact Cheryl Phillips at cphillips@pcoa.org or call (520) 305-3410. For more information about Healthy Living programs, please visit pcoa.org or contact Harbhajan Khalsa at hkhalsa@pcoa.org (520) 790-7573 ext. 3426.
May & June 2026, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
ENDING LIFE WELL Gifts We Give Ourselves and the People We Love
MEDICARE Upcoming Medicare Presentations Wednesdays May 27 & June 24 2:00–5:00 pm Murphy-Wilmot Library
open the door to meaningful discussions about what matters most to you. This includes your independence, comfort, spiritual beliefs, or the kind of medical care you would want. When these decisions are made ahead of time, your loved ones are spared the stress of guessing what you would have wanted. Putting your wishes in writing through an advance directive, helps ensure your decisions are followed. But the real heart of planning lies in the conversations you have along the way and the conversations you continue to have once your advance directives are complete. By sharing your thoughts openly with someone you trust, you create a plan that reflects your values and gives everyone involved greater peace of mind. Taking these steps today is an act of care for yourself and for the people who matter most to you. Reach out today to begin the conversation and receive guidance for making informed decisions. ◆ FOR MORE INFORMATION or to schedule time with our End of Life Initiatives team, please call (520) 790-7262.
As we grow older, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and the people who care about us is clarity. Making proactive end-of-life decisions isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about ensuring your voice is heard, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are supported during moments that can be emotionally difficult.
530 N. Wilmot Dr. Tucson, AZ 85710
Topics include: • Understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. • Learn about Medigap and Prescription Drug Plans. • Questions to ask before enrolling. • How and when to enroll. • Learn about Medicare Savings Programs and getting help with paying Part B premium and/or Part D drug costs for those who qualify. • How to find plans that offer the lowest cost for prescriptions you take. REGISTRATION REQUIRED visit Medicare2026-Murphy WilmotLibrary.eventbrite.com or call (520) 546-2011 to register.
Many older adults find comfort in choosing a trusted person to help communicate their preferences if they ever cannot speak for themselves. This might be a family member, a close friend, or someone who knows your values well. What matters most is choosing someone who listens, respects your choices, and is willing to advocate for you according to your wishes. Talking about end-of-life care can feel uncomfortable at first, but these conversations often bring relief. They
We are grateful for the generous support provided by the Shaaron Kent Endowment held at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
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Pima Council on Aging
NO MORE PARTY OF ONE
ALTCS Workshops Join us for a workshop to learn about the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Discover what ALTCS is, the eligibility requirements, and the range of services available once enrolled. This workshop is an excellent starting point for anyone considering ALTCS for themselves or a loved one.
FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Location may be subject to change. Eventbrite registration will reflect the most up-to-date location information. Please join us in person Date: May 27, 2026 Time: 2:00–4:00 pm Location: The Katie, 600 S. Country Club Rd. Please join us on Zoom from your computer, tablet, or phone Date: June 24, 2026 Time: 2:00–4:00 pm Registration is required for both the in person workshop and online webinar. TO REGISTER , go to bit.ly/ALTCSWorkshop or call (520) 305-3450.
6 Community Lunch sites in metro Tucson and Green Valley 60 years or older and tired of dining alone? Want to get out of the house and enjoy a satisfying lunch while making friends? TRY COMMUNITY LUNCHES $2 TO $3 A MEAL! REGISTRATION REQUIRED Please call for mealtimes, to reserve a meal, and for days and hours of operations. Armory Park Center 220 S. 5 th Ave., Tucson (520) 791-4070 Casa De Encanto 250 N. Silverbell Rd., Tucson Freedom Recreation Center 5000 E. 29 th St., Tucson (520) 791-4969 La Posada Community Center 780 S. Park Centre Ave., Green Valley · (520) 393-6814 William M. Clements Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr., Tucson (520) 791-5787 (520) 310-6716 Casa De Pueblo 4975 S. Liberty Ave., Tucson (520) 310-2915
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit bit.ly/PCOAmeals or call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
May & June 2026, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
Dementia Rehab Program Invites Summer 2026 Referrals By Dr. Sharon Arkin, PsyD Elder Rehab is Tucson’s research- validated physical and mental fitness program for seniors with dementia, and is seeking participants for its summer 2026 semester at Desert Sports and Fitness NE, 2480 N. Pantano. Are you caring for a formerly active spouse or parent who has been sidelined because of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-causing disorder? If you answered “yes”, this program offers your care recipient an energizing opportunity for physical exercise, mental stimulation and companionship so you can get ongoing periods of respite from caregiving.
Applications are accepted all year long, but a quick match with a partner is most likely to occur if applications are received before, during or the month after a semester begins. University of Arizona’s summer semester begins on June 18, 2026. Applicants who apply at or near the beginning of the semester will pay $499 for 20 sessions; late entrants pay a pro-rated $25 per session, payable upfront. There is also a one-time $85 fee for a cognitive evaluation and an $85 fee for a required physical fitness assessment. Each spring, the University of Arizona physiology department holds a “match-making” event for medical school-bound students seeking volunteer experience working with elderly or disabled adults. ◆ FOR MORE INFORMATION For an Elder Rehab application form and a pre-screening quiz to determine cognitive suitability, contact Sharon Arkin at sharonmerlearkin@gmail.com or (520) 603-2912.
Elder Rehab matches its participants with trained University of Arizona (UA) volunteers who provide their Ally supervises her former partner during the exercise portion of her rehab session.
respective partners with 20 twice-weekly 2-hour one-to-one rehab sessions per semester. Each session consists of an hour of physical exercise and an hour of memory- and language-stimulating activities. Most students have parental permission to drive their partner to and from the program site, but these arrangements are made privately and are not the responsibility of Elder Rehab or Desert Sports and Fitness.
From last year’s “Match Day” are student rehab volunteers Tavin Backer and Ally Dietrich. Seated from left to right are Janet Horton, Ally’s latest rehab partner, and George Wolfson, Tavin’s new found partner, and Elder Rehab founder and director, Dr. Sharon Arkin, PsyD.
Page 16 | May & June 2026, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
RIGHTS & BENEFITS
Veterans have served our country with honor and deserve to be protected from threats to their benefits and personal information. Unfortunately, scammers often pose as employees of the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) and contact veterans by mail, phone, email, and social media offering to help them access or file for benefits, for a fee. Our Office of the Inspector General aims to raise awareness about government imposter scams. We want to remind veterans and their loved ones about the importance of staying informed. 7 Ways Veterans Can Protect Themselves from Scams By Jack Burns, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in AZ
How to identify and avoid scams If you’re a veteran, here are 7 ways you can protect yourself: 1. Be cautious of companies that advertise that you can only get VA benefits with their help. These companies may charge illegal fees for services that you can get 2. If a company pressures you to sign a contract right away or take some other immediate action, that’s a red flag. If they insist “You must act now,” ignore them. 3. Disregard advertisements that promise an immediate or overly generous payout. Claims like these are also red flags. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. for free. You can check their credentials using VA’s online Accreditation tool. 4. Be alert to “phishing” and requests for personal information about you, your benefits, medical records, and finances. The VA, like Social Security, will generally not call you to request information unless you have pending agency business. When we need to reach you or to update your record, we’ll mail you a letter with instructions. 5. Limit the personal details you share on social media. The more you post about yourself online, the easier it may be for criminals to use that information to access your VA accounts, steal your identity, and more. 6. Be careful about the websites you visit. Before doing business
online, check for “https://” at the start of the website address. The “s” stands for “secure” and these sites use extra measures to keep your information safe. 7. Watch out for common red flags in emails, texts, and on social media. You should be suspicious of communications which: • Come from a public domain, such as gmail.com or yahoo. com. Emails from government agencies will generally end in .gov, like va.gov or ssa.gov. • Contain suspicious or random links or attachments and “urgent” requests for action. • Have misspellings and grammatical errors. Where to get help and more information • Report and learn more about Social Security-related scams at ssa.gov/scam • Sign up for free consumer alerts from the Federal Trade Commission and, if necessary, file a complaint at Reportfraud.ftc.gov • Report suspected fraud to the VSAFE Fraud Hotline at 833-38V-SAFE and find resources at VSAFE.gov • Subscribe to MilitaryConsumer. gov/blog for the latest news on scams. • Visit Operation Protect Veterans, a joint program of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and AARP at uspis.gov/veterans Please help us spread the message by sharing this important information with other veterans and loved ones. ◆
Veterans reminiscing at the 2025 Salute to Centenarians event hosted by Tucson Medical Center and Pima Council on Aging.
May & June 2026, Never Too Late | Page 17
Pima Council on Aging
VETERANS
Enhancing the Legacy of Military Service in Pima County Veterans’ Survivors and the Enduring Need for Improved Benefits By Cristina Johnson, Veteran Advocate, Asbestos Ships Across Pima County in Southern Arizona, over 79,500 residents have bravely enlisted in the armed forces, despite the potential long-term health repercussions that may emerge along the way. Yet while this dedication is widely recognized, what frequently goes unnoticed is that the journey of military service extends far beyond the personnel themselves. Spouses, parents, and children frequently step into roles that demand extraordinary resilience, providing critical care as well as navigating bureaucratic systems while extending practical support day after day. These families, who shared in the sacrifices of service, experience a deeper toll when a veteran gets diagnosed with a toxic-related condition: confronting disrupted careers, reduced income, and their own health challenges. More tragically, when the patient passes away, that burden does not disappear and instead endures for an extended period. Understanding this dynamic is vital to ensuring that survivors receive support that is both meaningful and sustainable, reflecting the full scope of their contributions and devotion.
Survivors Confronting Serious Repercussions After a Veteran’s Passing Nearly 10% of Pima County’s residents are veterans. Most of these personnel were deployed during the Vietnam War, while a substantial portion also fought during the Korean and Gulf Wars. Across these periods, many were unknowingly exposed to hazardous substances silently lurking in naval vessels, tanks, trucks, weapons, equip- ment, and even barracks. Numerous Vietnam-era troops encountered herbicides like Agent Orange, while more recent deployments exposed service members to burn pit emissions, industrial chemicals, and other airborne toxins. Beyond these exposures, those stationed at domestic facilities such as Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Pima County may have likewise experienced routine contact with asbestos as well as a wide range of volatile organic compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals. The consequences of these exposures are far-reaching, as countless veterans have developed chronic illnesses including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions, immunosuppression, and hypertension. One navy boiler technician who served aboard the USS Henderson and Charles S. Sperry recalled how his duties during major shipyard refurbishments ultimately compromised his health. Spending years in engine and boiler rooms surrounded by
asbestos-insulated systems, he revealed he has consequently suffered from a respiratory disease, struggling to breathe even during short walks. “We tore out all the steam lines, and the older stuff was insulated with asbestos. My health right now is breath-short. I breathe heavy, and it’s hard walking from the house to the mailbox,” he said. For families, these health outcomes translate into new responsibilities. Oftentimes, spouses or parents become primary caregivers, as they coordinate complex medical regimens as well as managing specialist visits and long-term rehabilitation. These obligations usually coincide with lost wages or career interruptions, while additional expenses like hospital transportation, home modifications, and ongoing treatments keep growing. By the time a veteran succumbs to the disease, many households have already borne years of economic and emotional strain, emphasizing the immediate need for bolstered support. Boosting Benefits and Services for Veterans’ Survivors Providing meaningful support to veterans’ survivors requires more than recognition; it means establishing measures that can tackle their financial and practical needs head-on. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) has already begun making strides by providing a tax-exempt monthly payment of $1,699.36 to spouses of veterans whose demise occurred on or after
Page 18 | May & June 2026, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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