Linda Miller is the Director of Centralina Area Agency on Aging. She has more than 30 years of experience in the aging field and has been a part of the Centralina team for 25 years. Linda was instrumental in developing Centralina’s evidence-based health program that has been delivering wellness programs in the community since 2007. We sat down with her to learn more about her on a professional and personal level, along with her tips and resources for others working in the aging field.

Did you know that one in five older adults may experience depression? Studies show that the burden of depression tends to be higher among those who are isolated, live alone, live in poverty, speak a different language and have complex health issues in addition to people of color. Depression can impact the quality of life, function, health and risk of death among older adults. Centralina Area Agency on Aging is responding to this need by partnering with UNC-Asheville on a pilot initiative called PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives).

In March 2022, Centralina awarded the Neighborhood C.A.R.E. Center (NCC) the Improving Quality of Life award at our annual Region of Excellence Awards. The NCC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Cornelius that aims to provide immediate and long-term aid to neighbors through relational and faith-based programs in a hope-filled environment. We interviewed Executive Director Manny Rosado and Communications Manager MaeLynn Joyner to learn more about challenges the organization faced and how they overcame obstacles.

Fall risks impact everyone from infancy into older age. From the moment babies take their first steps to running errands as an older adult, fall risks exist. However, older and disabled adults are affected more by the potential effects of falls. A fall can be a gateway to other problems, leading to a decline in health. BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) recognized this risk and is piloting a program that focuses on fall prevention education and home modifications.

As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, and they may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer. Individuals who are 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance.

Older unvaccinated adults are more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. To reduce the spread of the COVID-19 in our region, Centralina Area Agency on Aging has been working to provide homebound seniors and others with educational materials.

Fifty years ago, on March 22, 1972, the Older Americans Act was amended to include the Senior Nutrition Program, a nationwide community-based service that includes congregate and home-delivered meal options. The Senior Nutrition Program in NC has been successfully providing access to healthy meals, nutrition screening, nutrition education, socialization and other supports to allow adults ages 60 and over to stay in their homes and communities longer.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: The aging network in the greater Charlotte area is a close-knit group of professionals, many of whom can draw the beginning of their education of gerontology to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s gerontology program. The program has been a staple in the aging network for decades and there is one woman who has been both director of the program and mentor to many students, Dr. Dena Shenk.

The ombudsman program advocates for the resident who call our adult care homes and nursing homes their homes. We work to resolve issues of concern and advocate to protect the rights of those living in long-term care facilities. We also provide technical assistance to residents, the public and facilities.

A community that is pedestrian friendly benefits everyone. And when sidewalks, crosswalks and transportation infrastructure are missing or in need of repair, the result is a lower standard of living for people who depend on these facilities for mobility. Pedestrian infrastructure is a key component in supporting community connections and the health of residents and visitors. Aging adults and those with disabilities are disproportionately affected by gaps in pedestrian infrastructure.