Southwest Florida must value seniors to achieve their full potential

Here’s a scary thought: we’ll all be old one day. Or not.

“Or not” is something few of us would choose because an early death is a less attractive choice. Still, the idea of ​​getting old, of decreased ability, of not being able to participate in the activities that were once an enjoyable part of life can at least be frightening.

And then there is perhaps the most terrible thing: the fact that we are treated differently and not well because of our age. It’s not that our family is paying more attention or that our neighbors are looking after us more often – or that a stranger offers to carry our packages to the car.

The reality, all too often, is that if we ignore the needs and wants of older people, we can completely deny the reality of aging. By making old people cliché as weak, forgetful, callous and even neglected – which is largely untrue – we can distance ourselves from the aging process.

History tells us about the many accomplishments of people later in life, but that is only part of the story. Older people, of whom we have more than our share in Florida, know how to enjoy life. You will participate in a wide variety of activities, albeit perhaps at a less hectic pace than before. They take up hobbies that they enjoy and that others often enjoy. They volunteer for a cause they care about, and many continue to work in a job they love or a new job they have discovered.

Many – and I belong to that category – enjoy the extra time they can spend with their families.

Unfortunately, for some, the picture isn’t that bright. They may have health issues that limit their socialization, or they may face economic difficulties that affect their quality of life. Too many fall victim to scams that can take a financial toll and lead them to question their competency. And tragically, some are abused by family members and caregivers who take advantage of decreased physical and / or cognitive health.

Then there are those who know the pain of loneliness too well. Family members can live far away and – for various reasons – pay little attention. It is the forgotten that tears at the heart.

For more than a decade I have been involved in the Senior Friendship Centers, an agency with four counties that cares for the needs of an older population. Founded 48 years ago by a Roman Catholic brother, the original focus was on bringing people together in order to make contacts, learn from one another and discover new joie de vivre. It worked. Today it looks after around 15,000 people in four counties and offers a range of support services, opportunities for social contacts and volunteer work.

When you consider that more than one in three Sarasota County’s residents are 65 years or older, everyone has an interest in creating a community where older adults are valued. And all senior residents have a responsibility to lead their best life for their community as well as for themselves. Staying active and engaged requires will and inclination, but age-appropriate services must be available and accessible.

Since 2015, Age-Friendly Sarasota, a member of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Places Network, has been mobilizing community resources to promote active, engaged and healthy lives for people of all ages.

With that in mind, a group of community partners – including the Senior Friendship Centers, Plymouth Harbor Senior Community, and Jewish Family and Community Services – is presenting the fourth in a series of events known as the Reinvention Convention. “The Human Brain: Practical Tools for Long Life and Aging Well” for Thursday, November 4th, will be held virtually at 8:45 am. For more information, contact Lynne Anast at (941) 556-3269.

Southwest Florida is a wonderful place to live, but it can be even better for everyone when residents of all ages feel welcome, accepted, and valued.

Kathy Silverberg is the former editor of the Herald-Tribune’s Southern Editions. She can be reached at kathy.silverberg@comcast.net or followed on Twitter @kdsilver.

See similar https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/10/28/southwest-florida-must-value-seniors-reach-its-full-potential/6180270001/

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