This proposal brings hope and lifts the spirits for the millions of undocumented immigrants waiting for citizenship.  According to the bipartisan framework of the bill, comprehensive immigration reform would create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. that is dependent on the security of our borders and track any visa overstays from persons entering the U.S.

Today, of the approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants, 1.3 million are between 45 and 54 and another half million are 55 and older. If immigration reform takes place, there could be important benefits for older adults, direct care workers, family caregivers and individuals with disabilities. For example, immigration reform may provide more aging support through Community Based Long-Term Services and Supports – important services that enable many older adults to live independently and with dignity.

“On behalf of NHCOA, I would like to thank the Senate Judiciary Committee for approving the Gang of Eight Proposal and giving hope to millions of unauthorized immigrants. Providing a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes every generation is crucial in order to move our country forward. The Senate’s approval is one step forward in that direction,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA.

Earlier this year, NHCOA published a report with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) on the impact of immigration reform for older adults and people with disabilities. NHCOA also participated in an immigration reform rally to represent the interests of this diverse demographic. Through NHCOA’s efforts and the efforts of millions of others across the nation, the possibility of an immigration framework that is responsive to our nation’s diverse demographic, including older adults, may be a reality.

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Families getting together or pictures found in the basement or attic often generate questions. Who was this? Where was this? How did we get here? Who are we?  Unfortunately, these questions may never be answered, leaving a large pool of the unknown that we have to live with. It is said that a lot is known about German history, culture and psychology, because Germans are great writers of diaries. There is an equivalent to that in Latino culture, such as sitting around the table after dinner or after lunch and having those casual conversations about lives lived decades ago. Memories triggered by some current event or the casual question of some younger, perhaps not fully engaged participant, provoking older bearers of so much oral history to weave a whole forgotten universe of experiences lived, some in this adopted country, some in the old country. So much life, so many memories, so many tears, so many laughs and a lot of courage – this is what Older Americans Month is all about.

It happens that we often run into those large pools of the unknown past that would make us whole, if we had only taken the time to ask, record or remember. For those who still have the benefit or the privilege of being in the company of their grandparents, it’s not too late to sit down and ask. Ask about their earliest childhood memories, who were your parents? Where did they live? What did they do? How was life when you were a child, what did the country look like? What were the stories making the rounds then? Who was in power? What happened? Why did you move? What happened to your brothers or sisters, my great aunts and uncles? What was your home like? What did you eat? What games did you play? The questions are endless, once you get started.

Additionally, it happens that older folks have an incredible memory for things past. They may not remember where they left the keys but they remember who was president in the 1920’s and what happened as a result. They remember the songs of the 1930’s and the first car that rolled into town. They remember who got the first refrigerator and radio. They also remember the bad, such as the struggles of daily living, the great plagues that made the rounds and the one who got polio that summer and couldn’t walk again. They remember who got smallpox and was called el fiero (pockmarked) if he survived. They remember going to the pharmacy with a list of potions to be prepared, like the recipe of an alchemist, in hopes that once mixed in the right proportions and taken regularly from the small bottle or envelop, with water, after a few days some malady would be resolved.

They remember the great revolutions, the great wars and where they were and what happened. The heroes, the scoundrels, their names forever remembered in admiration, in fear and in hate. Those who won got to stay, had jobs and had a future. Those who lost often had to leave everything, but they were the lucky ones. At least they didn’t end up forgotten in some dungeon or in some common grave yard somewhere out there, lost forever to everyone, with no memory, no children and no relatives to see into the future.

There is so much history, so much folklore, so many stories you wish you hadn’t known or you wish you knew more about, but at least now when you look back, you can see forever and things that happened make more sense, your parents and your life make more sense. Don’t wait until is too late and lost forever- take a pen, take a notebook and ask. Abuelo y abuela, quiero saber, ¡cuéntame!  (Grandpa and Grandma, I’d like to know, tell me!)

Studies show that scammers often target those who are affected by poverty, low education levels, and cultural and linguistic barriers. These characteristics are common among some Latino communities, making Hispanic older adults particularly vulnerable to Medicare fraud.

With the support of the Administration on Aging, NHCOA works to combat Medicare fraud in the Hispanic older adult population through the National Hispanic Senior Medicare Patrol (NHSMP). The NHSMP is a program that uses culturally, linguistically and age sensitive educational materials and messages that are especially designed for Hispanic older adults.  The program’s mission is to educate the community and empower them to detect, protect and report Medicare fraud.

While the NHSMP’s efforts has helped increase Latino seniors’ awareness about the widespread Medicare fraud problem and the urgency to report it, Medicare fraud continues to be a national problem. In fact, it’s estimated that fraud costs the program between $60 billion and $90 billion each year.

Tuesday’s bust marks the sixth national Medicare fraud takedown under the strike force teams. According to the Health and Human Services and Justice Department, nearly 600 individuals have been charged in schemes involving almost $2 billion.

As a result of the recent busts, Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, held a press conference in Washington, D.C. to announce the results of the sixth national Scams raid by the Medicare Strike Force since 2010.  “Today’s takedown is the latest sign we are beginning to turn the tide on Medicare fraud,” said Sebelius.

As a leader and friend to the entire Latino community, Angel Luis’ service and dedication extend beyond all boundaries. NHCOA applauds Angel Luis for his four decades of community service, including his nine years as Executive Director of VIDA Senior Centers, the only organization dedicated to serving Latino older adults in the D.C. metro area.

For more information on the Get Well Celebration for Angel Luis Irene on Sunday, May 19, please click here. You may also watch the event live starting at 7 p.m. by clicking here.

The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) – the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers – is a strong supporter of policies that allow workers to earn paid leave to care for their health or the health of a loved one.  Earned sick and family leave are beneficial not just for workers, but also public health.  Increasing the ability of workers to take time off to recover from illness benefits the public by reducing their risk of being exposed to infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infected food handlers were the source of more than half (53%) of norovirus outbreaks, the leading cause of foodborne illness.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that few service workers, including those that prepare and serve food to the public, have the opportunity to earn paid sick days.  Instead of taking time off to improve their health, these workers put the entire public at risk of illness.  Older adults are particularly vulnerable to food borne infection, as their immune systems are not as effective at recognizing and removing it.

NHCOA applauds places such as New York City, San Francisco and Connecticut that have passed earned sick days laws, and places like Miami, Philadelphia and Orlando that are working to implement earned sick days policy.  NHCOA works with its Hispanic Aging Network of community based organizations to raise awareness of available earned leave benefits.  Currently, we are working to collect the stories of Hispanic families who have been impacted by earned leave policies.  It is our hope that one day all workers and the people they serve will be able to earn time off to care for their health.  NHCOA urges you to join our efforts to ensure all workers have the right to earn time off to care of themselves and their families, and help us promote healthier and happier communities.  Call 1-866-488-7379 to learn more.

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Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and HIV/AIDS, can also take a unique toll on women. According to the Office on Women’s Health, every 90 seconds a woman suffers from a heart attack. Additionally, around 372,000 women 65 and older experience a heart attack each year, which makes heart disease the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.

Every year, 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV, and women in particular account for approximately 24% of all HIV diagnoses (womenshealth.gov). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010 the rate of new HIV infections among Latinas was four times the rate of white women. Because of the need to address all Latino communities, NHCOA’s Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) is dedicated to reach Latino seniors, their families and their caregivers. In a culturally, linguistically and age-appropriate manner, NHCOA’s Hispanic Aging Network (HAN) has been able to reach a population by providing direct programs for Latino older adults and their families that break through the stigma of HIV/AIDS that exists in the Latino community.

National Women’s Health Week is a reminder to empower women to live happy and healthy lives by taking care of their health. In order for women to take control of their health, they must first take care of themselves by getting regular checkups and preventive screenings, getting active, eating healthy, paying attention to mental health and engaging in safe behaviors (Office of Minority Health). And there’s no better time to start than during National Women’s Health Week.

“Let’s honor the women in our lives by urging them to take care of their health. Start with one healthy behavior today, and step by step we can take care of our greatest asset,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA.

To learn more about National Women’s Health Week and how you can get involved, please click here.

However, Latinos are 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to have diabetes – a chronic condition that can be influenced in part by one’s diet. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet is critical in the prevention and management of diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, individuals who have diabetes do not have to feel deprived of delicious foods. There are still many options to choose from that are both flavorful and healthy. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following tips for diabetics to maintain a healthy diet:

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety.
• Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
• Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
• Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.
• Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
• Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin” such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
• Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
• Choose water, unsweetened tea, coffee and calorie-free “diet” drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
• Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.
• Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
• Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes.

By following dietary guidlines you can enjoy healthy versions of your favorite dishes. However, diet is only part of the equation. Following a proven program, such as Salud y Bienestar, which incorporates diet, physical activity and collaboration with medical professionals, can greatly help in the management of diabetes.

NHCOA wants to know, what are your favorite healthy recipes? Feel free to share them in the comments section!

Myth: HIV is a contagious disease, like a flu or common cold.
Reality: HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sneezes, or sweat. Casual contact (shaking hands, sharing utensils, or kissing) doesn’t transmit the virus either.

Myth: People infected with HIV look unhealthy.
Reality: People living with HIV (PLWH) look no different from any other person for several years after being infected with the virus, and may continue infecting others. If untreated after 8 to 10 years, then AIDS will develop, a deadly complication of HIV. On the other hand, those who get treated as soon as possible can have a good quality of life and potentially never develop AIDS.

Myth: Once you are infected with HIV, you will get AIDS right away.
Reality: Those who get tested early, start getting treated upon learning their HIV-positive status, and stick to the treatment, can potentially live the rest of their lives without developing AIDS. Once infected it may take 8 to 10 years to develop AIDS, a deadly complication of HIV.

Myth: Older adults are immune to HIV.
Reality: Anyone can get infected with HIV at any age. In fact, nearly 25% of people diagnosed with AIDS in the United States were ages 50+ in 2009[1].

Myth: There is no point in getting treated for HIV, I will die anyways.
Reality: PLWH who are under treatment can keep their virus (load) count very low, and live their lives with HIV as a chronic disease. In addition, there is evidence that people whose HIV is well controlled with anti-viral medications are also less likely to transmit HIV to others. Therefore, treatment is also a way to prevent the spread of HIV.

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