Welcome to the April 2010 Seniors Digest!

Timmie Faghin, Advisory Council Chair

Omar Abatiyow and Ali Dawud, participants in the Senior Services Nutrition Transportation Program, with Sahra Farah (right), Director of the Somali Community Services of Seattle. Eating together with others who share their language and traditional foods promotes good nutrition for the elders of ethnic communities in our area. In this issue of Seniors Digest, read about this service that brings older adults of many cultures to local meal programs. ____________________________

As you have no doubt noticed, health care is the big new story this month! We would like to update you about some of the things that are happening, both on the state level and nationwide.

The Washington State House and Senate have reportedly reached a deal on a tax package to close a $2.8 billion operating deficit for the 2010-11 budget. Details are not yet available, but final vote is projected to come within a week. Visit the Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby website for timely news on the latest state legislative developments.

And if you are among the many Washingtonians who are confused about what the historic passage of Health Care Reform means for older adults, see "Health Reform and Seniors: an Overview" in this issue of Seniors Digest. We will continue to update you on what this legislation means for elders and family caregivers.

Also in this issue…

• Rebuilding Together Seattle volunteers repair and rehabilitate homes for seniors and people with disabilities
  
  
• April is a busy month! Learn what's going on in "Save the Date"
  
  
• "Is It Really Insomnia?" A new study suggests that some seniors may needlessly worry if they get less sleep than they think they should.
  
  
• Give your brain a workout with this month's puzzle, "Mixed Veggies Scramble," and find links to delicious veggie-rich recipes.

For More Information....  

See "Links You Can Use" for local websites that can direct you to services for seniors. And check out SeniorsDigest.org, our national companion website, which includes the Online Information Center, where you will find resources and information about issues of interest to older adults and their families.

We hope you will refer to our electronic pages often—to obtain advice, to learn of new and exciting services, and to offer us your constructive feedback.

Read Seniors Digest and tell us what you think. We are here to help.

Timmie Faghin, Chair
Seattle-King County Advisory Council
on Aging and Disability Services