“Aloha” is such a happy word.
“When you hear the aloha greeting, it just makes you smile.” Dawn Reed remembers her father always had an affinity for the “Aloha Spirit.” Calling her new venture ‘Aloha to Aging’ seemed a fitting tribute when she was getting started back in 2009. That’s when she created a new “happy place” to promote healthy aging and wellness through educational and therapeutic programs to keep seniors active.
HeART Strings Class, May 2022
Most of us know an elderly relative or friend who has experienced some level of diminishing capabilities. It can be hard to understand their challenges if you have never faced these difficulties yourself. The team at Aloha to Aging has put together many different types of educational programs to help caregivers know how to help their aging loved ones. But they have also developed a unique approach to educating social workers, families, college students and the public about the impediments faced by aging seniors through their Aging 101 Simulation Sensitivity class. Participants are often startled at the disruptions caused when they experience even a few minutes of reduced vision, hearing, or diminished cognitive ability through these exercises. The resulting conversations have been eye-opening and tender. Participants often admit they wish they had acted sooner to find out how quality of life improves with programs like Aloha Day Club, healthy brain games, HeART Strings, Delay the Disease for those with Parkinson’s and others offered by Aloha to Aging.
Despite the pandemic, each year Aloha to Aging has continued to reach growing numbers of families with its programs. Last year over 3,000 individuals were positively impacted. Services they provide are Aloha Day Club respite care, care partner training and support focused on Parkinson’s and Dementia, and more. Because some local residents care for loved ones living in other states, they have even impacted families outside of their service area.
Recently Aloha to Aging started an Agency Fund with Cobb Community Foundation. Dawn shared that working with CCF will help provide the tools they need to eventually grow an endowment to assist with the costs of their programming. She also noted that because they are volunteer-based, they rely heavily on volunteers, the administrative services relating to contributions management will help them use their resources more effectively. “I’m grateful that CCF provides a tool like this. It’s a great partnership,” said Reed.
You can help support the much-needed work of Aloha to Aging by donating here. All upcoming programming can be viewed here.
