Sun Sailor
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Guest Column by Deb Taylor
If you’re a baby boomer, you should know Kathleen Casey-Kirschling. Like you, she’s a member of the largest generation in human history, a population cohort driven by the post-World War II fertility boom. On Oct. 15, 2007, she became the first of the 78 million baby boomers to file for social security, initiating a transformational sea change across American culture.
In only 15 years, one in four Minnesotans will be age 65 or older. The number of older adults age 80 and older will triple. Our communities will be awash in centenarians, those age 100 and better.
This “age wave” brings with it significant changes and challenges. Seniors who prefer to age in place in their own home will need support to enable a more independent lifestyle and to make it work for them and their caregivers who often grow exhausted from providing constant care and support.
To fight loneliness, which can be debilitating and distressing for seniors – and negatively impact brain health – seniors need to stay engaged with their avocations, friends and family. Socialization improves physical and emotional well-being, and mental alertness which, together, encourage a more connected and satisfying life.
More senior centers will be needed to accommodate the burgeoning numbers of retirees who wish to “hang” with their friends: to dine, play cards, enjoy book clubs and take trips to shop or attend museums and ball games.
Seniors living at home enjoy their independence, but in time, aging reduces their ability to handle some household chores. Older adults may need help with routine tasks like errands, grocery shopping, painting, minor repairs, window-washing, snow-shoveling, leaf-raking and other yard duties.
The need will only grow for services like the Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly (HOME) program operated by Senior Community Services. Utilizing a network of staff, volunteers and independent contractors, seniors can receive help with household chores. And they contribute to the cost of services based on monthly income and their ability to pay. HOME is a wonderful way to help seniors maintain independence and give caregivers a much needed break.
Hope grows amid crisis
As health needs grow, seniors can benefit from expert assistance evaluating complex Medicare insurance options. Our Medicare counselors have saved many seniors thousands of dollars in annual healthcare costs.
Seniors facing a serious health crisis often need assistance managing complex care needs. When Frank, 82, suffered a stroke, he had trouble coping with daily living activities. His safety and independence were at risk.
And living near the poverty level, Frank saw little hope ahead. Thankfully, one of our social workers conducted a comprehensive assessment of Frank’s needs. Since Frank’s a veteran, the social worker was able to obtain, at no cost, a walker and a mobility ramp at his home.
Our social worker oversaw installation of safety devices by a caring neighbor who volunteered his services. We coordinated Frank’s medical appointments and arranged transportation, then put him in touch with services to deliver groceries and medications. Frank’s yard chores are handled by Senior Community Services volunteers.
Now, Frank’s life is so much better. Rather than being forced from his home, he has the support he needs to age in place with dignity and independence.
That’s our hope for baby boomers as we look ahead. We must be ready as we reimagine aging, together.
Deb Taylor is Chief Executive Officer of Senior Community Services, a nonprofit that has helped west suburban seniors maintain their independence since 1950.
