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Older Americans Month 2008

The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement, kicking off an expansion in the number of elderly people that will continue for decades. In Door County, an increase in the older adult population has already begun. For years, people who have vacationed here as children and young adults have chosen to call Door County home when they retire. This trend will most certainly continue in the future. The life expectancy of people in the United States is also on the rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every nine baby boomers will live to be at least age 90. Therefore, we, as individuals and as a community, need to plan for life that extends far past the age of retirement. Issues of health care, caregiving, long-term care options and the opportunity for older adults to contribute to society in meaningful ways will need to take center-stage in discussions on national, state and local levels.

The benefits to our nation and our local community of a larger population of older adults are tremendous. Elders already provide countless hours of volunteer, community and civic service – and the potential is there for much, much more. Older adults enhance our community and personal lives by sharing their values and transferring an extensive knowledge of culture and life experience to younger generations. Thankfully, the contributions of seniors will continue to flourish in the coming years, since older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and engaged older adult populations in our nation’s history.

At the same time, an expanding older adult population also spotlights our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our senior citizens. With its designation as Older Americans’ Month, May is a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults. This year’s theme, “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities,” speaks to the opportunities we have to truly listen to the voices of seniors and collaborate with them on issues of importance. Working together, our community can improve the overall quality of life of older adults by helping them:

• Obtain current and accurate information needed to make informed decisions about, and gain better access to, existing health and long-term care options in their communities

• Have more options for help to remain living in their own homes as long as possible

• Make behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can reduce risk of disease, disability, and injury.

• The needs of older adults and their caregivers must be brought to the forefront in planning at local, state and national levels. It is the responsibility of each of us to make this happen.

Older Americans Month can be celebrated by all members of our community in large and small ways.

• Take steps to promote local, state and national efforts to ensure the safety of older adults through such avenues as the development of in-home services, caregiver support, disaster planning and the prevention of elder abuse.

• Volunteer at local agencies serving elders in our community.

• Enrich the life of an elderly person whom you know by taking the time pay a visit, lend a hand or share a kind word.

• By working together, we can improve the health and well being of older adults in Door County and pave the way for future generations.

This article was submitted by the Senior Services Advisory Committee to the Door County Social Services Committee: Jude Genereaux, Michael Brecke, Don Stannard, Sue DeKelver and Carol Machek; and Erin Szakala, Door County Social Worker; and Bev Knutson, Door County Senior Resource Center.