By Marsha Andrews, J.D.
December is a festive month for many Boomers on the move. Religious, cultural and family celebrations and numerous social engagements are all a part of the yuletide season. It is a month where the gift of giving is on the minds of many – not only for family and friends – family pets get a place on the list too! This month, I’d like to focus on a special kind of gift. A gift that will not only enhance longevity, through independence and social engagement, but will allow an opportunity to age in place – your place – among friends, family and in your community.
Did you know that an average of 10,000 people in the United States turn 65 years of age every day? Demographics in King County are changing rapidly too! The population in King County is 2,044,449, and older adults make up 19 percent of the total. About 23 percent (78,504) of residents age 60 and older are people of color – an increase of 4% since 2011. Nine percent of older residents in King County live in poverty, and about half of those living below poverty level have a disability. Many seniors provide care for their grandchildren and 35 percent of older women live alone. By 2040, it is projected that the percentage of residents age 60 and older will grow to nearly 25%. What a huge impact this will have on housing!
Every four years, Area Agencies on Aging throughout the county develop an Area Plan. Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for King County, mission is to develop communities that promote quality of life, independence and choice for older people and adults with disabilities.
The 2016-2019 Area Plan includes five distinct goals. One of the goals is to promote the development of livable communities. The greater Seattle region is acknowledged by the general population as a great place to live. By reducing physical and social barriers to aging in place; promoting creative ways for older adults to maintain, share and grow their talents, skills, and experiences; and ensuring livable communities for all ages, Seattle-King County can be a great place to grow old.
AARP defines a livable community as “one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.”
Unfortunately, many older adults have had unpleasant experiences with relocating whether to a nursing home, an adult family home or to any unfamiliar surroundings. It can have an overall effect both mentally and physically. Unfamiliarity can lead to inactivity, isolation, loneliness and depression. As a result, most will choose to age in place rather than relocate to retirement communities or communities where access to services is more convenient. When residents can live comfortably – regardless of their ability – and age in place, everybody benefits.
Another successful way to age in place is to stay active. A great way to do this is to volunteer! Volunteering not only keeps you engaged with others, it also provides social and emotional connectedness and, most importantly, it keeps you moving. In case you are interested, Senior Services Pathways Program is looking for phone volunteers to provide education, options counseling, and advocacy to improve access to service delivery systems for older and disabled King County residents and their caregivers. For more information, please contact Mattie Taplin at (206) 268 – 6762.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Instructor or Assistant Instructor? The Seniors Training Seniors Program, offered through the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens is looking for computer-savvy persons age 50 and older. To apply for volunteer instructor positions, contact Lynda Hunter at 206-223-2783 or email lynda.hunter@seattle.gov.
Lastly–an important reminder–if you wish to enroll in a health insurance plan for 2016–the Open Enrollment Period is November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016. For more information, visit the Medicare & Medicaid website at www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-deadlines/2016/.
Thanks for taking another Senior Moment with me. See you next month.
