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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

Senior Sunday: Make an Older Friend and Maybe Save a Life

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Friday, November 28, 2014   

PORTLAND, Ore. – It may be time for a new holiday tradition – or an early New Year's resolution – to spend time with an older person in your family or your neighborhood, and to make it a monthly commitment.

AARP points out that amid Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday – there's one day not spoken for. The group has dubbed it Senior Sunday.

Jon Bartholomew, director of government relations for AARP Oregon, suggests putting yourself in the shoes of an elder who lives alone and may be housebound, and you can see that just having someone to talk with would be a bright spot.

"What would it be like if you really didn't have any interactions other than superficial, you know, visits from the mailman?” he asks. “Spend time with somebody who might not have a lot of visitors, and just hang out. Enjoy their company and let them enjoy yours."

Bartholomew says the day doesn't have to be action-packed, but some help with chores or yard work might be appreciated, or maybe a movie or a meal out.

Mostly, however, Senior Sunday is a chance to slow down and care about someone else who might really need it, to help get through the long winter months.

Bartholomew says there's an important health aspect to Senior Sunday as well – since research has shown that social isolation can lead to fatal consequences.

"It can trigger a myriad of health problems – loneliness, depression, sadly even sometimes, suicide,” he says. “Oregon actually has a very high rate of senior suicide."

The Oregon Department of Human Services says one in five suicides in the state is a person age 65 or older.





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