Welcome to the Senior Spotlight! I’m your host, Gary Emmert, bringing you the latest news, stories, and insights specially curated for our senior community.
Every Saturday morning at 9:20am, we delve into the topics that matter most to you, from health and wellness tips to local events and national headlines. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful discussions, inspiring stories, or simply want to stay informed, Senior Spotlight is here to shine a light on the issues that impact your life.
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature
Members of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature visited this week, including Dr. Linda Timmerman, Gary Gerstenhaber, and newcomer to the Senior Spotlight, Alan Mathis. Together, they shared insights and updates on the concerns and priorities they’re hearing from constituents across the state.
Legislators from the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature have engaged with older Texans statewide, connecting through town halls, meetings with staff from all 28 Area Agencies on Aging, and presentations to civic and service groups. Through research, collaboration, and community input, they’ve developed and submitted 83 legislative resolutions. To learn more, visit TSHL.org.
Texans to Vote on Landmark Alzheimer’s Research Initiative
This November, Texas voters will decide on Proposition 14, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allocate $3 billion over the next decade from state surplus funds to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. If approved, it would become the largest state-funded Alzheimer’s and dementia research program in the nation.
Currently, more than 460,000 Texans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory and cognitive function. An estimated 1.1 million Texans serve as unpaid caregivers, helping loved ones manage daily tasks, medical appointments, and financial responsibilities.
Dr. Joanne Pike, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association joined us to discuss the potential impact of Proposition 14 on research, treatment, and support services across the state.
We asked her the following questions:
- How widespread Alzheimer’s is in Texas and its broader impact
- What Proposition 14 proposes and how it would be implemented
- The role of state funding in advancing research and care
- What this initiative could mean for patients, families, and caregivers
- Where to find more information about the measure and Alzheimer’s resources
The deadline to register to vote in Texas for the upcoming November 4, 2025 election is Monday, October 6, 2025.
This is also the final day to update your address or name to ensure your voter record is current. Early voting begins on October 20, and Texans will be weighing in on 17 proposed constitutional amendments, including Proposition 14 on Alzheimer’s research funding.
To check your registration status or begin the process, visit VoteTexas.gov.
Thank you for stopping by and we would love to see you every Saturday morning at 9:20am for the Senior Spotlight. And if you have any questions or would like to let us know about an event or news that would be of benefit to our listeners and followers, please visit our blog website at myKNCT.com/seniorreport.
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