Rush Generations Program for Health and Aging | Rush University Medical Center

In the winter 2012 issue of the Rush Generations newsletter, we feature a story about family health histories. To help focus attention on the importance of family history, the U.S. Surgeon General launched an initiative to encourage all American families to learn more about their family history. As part of that effort, they created computerized tool called My Family Health Portrait, a Web-based program that helps organize information in a fun and easy way.

When you are talking with your family about your and their health histories, it is also a great time to talk about how you want healthcare decisions made for you if you are ever unable to speak for yourself due to illness or injury. Learn more about advance directives at the National Healthcare Decisions Day website or download state of Illinois Power of Attorney forms.

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is pleased to offer Rush Generations, a free health and aging membership program for older adults and people who care for them.

No matter where you live, Rush Generations can help you live well as you age: We offer a number of free resources that promote healthy and vital living. Our services are available online, via email, via a toll-free telephone number and in person. Our evolving benefits package is designed to help you take charge of your health and your life.

For details on Rush Generations' events, check out our events listing or call (800) 757-0202.

Become a member or renew your membership

Membership is free and open to adults of any age. For more information or to sign up, call (800) 757-0202 or send an e-mail to rush_generations@rush.edu. You can also become a member or renew your membership by signing up online.

Already a member?

Renew your membership here. Please provide us with feedback regarding your experience with Rush Generations. Take our brief online survey.

Program brochure

To download a copy of the program brochure, including a membership form, use the link at right under Related Topics (PDF format).

Newsletter

To view a copy of our newsletter in PDF format, use the link at right under Related Topics. See below a photo of the Older Adult Programs Consumer Advisory Council and to learn more about this group and other volunteer opportunities.

The Past, Present & Future of Older Adult Programs' Consumer Advisory Council

Our council was formed as part of a Michael Reese Health Trust-funded project called “A Community Based Plan for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.” The overall goal of the project was to increase understanding of the chronic disease burden and health risks and behaviors present among older adults in the Near West Side community. To help us reach this goal, we sought to create a structure and process for community involvement and direction. Towards that end, we assembled a consumer advisory committee.

The first council meeting was held in December 2006, and it has held monthly meetings ever since. It was attended by a diverse group of 16 members. Early on, the council helped with many aspects of the assessment project by providing input on data collection and analysis, generating recommendations and planning and implementing a town hall meeting.

Once the project was complete, the council shifted its focus to providing consultation to Older Adult Programs and many other departments on various aspects of making Rush a more elder-friendly place. Not only do we as Rush staff update council members on resources for older adults that we hear about, but council members also update each other on what is available in the community.

Council members report several benefits to being involved:

Receiving information about upcoming events
Opens door to other opportunities to volunteer
Personal opportunities for growth, expanded horizons
Provides a way to give back

Rush Older Adult Programs is proud to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers!

Contact Rush Older Adult Programs at (800) 757-0202 for information about these volunteer opportunities:

Provide one-on-one computer lessons to older adults wanting to be more computer-savvy by becoming a computer tutor in the Waud Resource Center for Health and Aging.
Serve as a Rush Generations ambassador by volunteering at our Rush Generations information table in the Medical Center
Attend training to become a leader of one of our health management workshops, including Take Charge of Your Health, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls and Take Charge of Your Diabetes

Support Us

Philanthropy plays a critical role in Rush University Medical Center’s ability to sustain and advance patient care. Thanks to generous donors, we can ensure the most advanced education for physicians, nurses and clinical staff; invest in new research and technology; and offer comprehensive, compassionate patient care.

Philanthropy also provides our community with life-enhancing programs such as Rush Generations. While Rush Generations is funded by a variety of sources, it’s thoughtful gifts from individuals and the community that enable us to offer such a wide range of programs and services to older adults and caregivers.

If you or a loved one has benefitted from Rush Generations and would like to make a difference in the lives of others, please contact Tim Larson in the Office of Philanthropy at (312) 942-9287, or click here.