Main Page | About Us | Our Advertisers | To Advertise | Community Information | Archives | Submitting Artwork | Contact
Senior Moments
August 2008
(click to return to main page)
| A special edition dedicated to the needs of seniors— our fastest growing demographic. |
 |
[ SENIOR MOMENTS ]
|
| Walking along Griffith Park Boulevard, I struck up a conversation with a woman in her late 70s who announced she was going to work until she dies. She does alterations in her home and loves her work even though she no longer can do garment creation or embroidery as in the past when her eyes were sharper. She said she is doing something useful, and has a routine that suits her. For her, there was no such thing as retirement, but obviously, as she got older, her “work” had to change as she aged. It started me thinking about the word “retirement.” You are no longer in the job market, and with a pension or savings, you enjoy “doing nothing” after years of hard work. Now you just watch the world go by. For some this may be so, but today there are changes and trends indicating that this concept of retirement may itself be retiring. Retirement may actually be “Act 2 of Life” as suggested by Jane E. Brody in a recent column in the New York Times. Several changes are currently happening regarding retirement: a reduction in assets that retirees expect to support their retirement; a longer life span; and all those baby boomers born between 1944 and 1964, who may opt to work beyond the usual retirement age. According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) survey taken in April of this year, nearly one in five people aged 55 to 64 and about one in four aged 45 to 54 planned to delay retirement because of the recent economic downturn. The other trend is the potential longer life span. In 1935 when Social Security was established, the average life expectancy was 61. Today, many live 20 to 30 years longer. As of 2005, according to National Center for Health Statistics data, men aged 65 can expect to live until the age of 82. And for females, it is 85. Thus, continuing to work, if not full-time, but on a part-time basis, becomes very attractive. If the work is interesting and provides a sense of purpose, this new life phase can be exciting. And meaningful work does not have to involve a paycheck. If that unpaid work is enjoyable, provides an opportunity to be engaged with other people, and uses your creative skills and experience, you are bringing Act II—benefiting yourself and your community. And like the woman who does alterations, you can “work” until you die. |
|
More Options Many seniors don’t realize that there are more possibilities than ever regarding their living situation.
Seniors enjoy reduced price lunch at GPACC. Photo by Marie Chao Social contact can be difficult for seniors whose mobility is not what it once was. Many seniors feel resistant to in-home care services. My own parents did not want a ‘stranger’ in their home, but after begrudgingly agreeing to try it, they are very happy and can’t imagine doing without Cindy. She takes them shopping, runs errands, accompanies them to doctor visits or the beauty salon, and provides welcome social interaction. Carol Stewart is a real estate professional specializing in senior issues. She works for Sotheby’s International Realty. |
Public Resources You Should Know About “Aging in place” is a phrase used to describe people who want to stay in their home as long as possible. However, for most of us, help in the form of resources are needed in order to maintain a desired life style in spite of limitations we may have in our older years. The following two major public resources exist in our area. Through these two Los Angeles city departments, you can access resources matching your need. LA Department of Recreation and Parks Los Angeles operates some 30 senior centers dedicated to the 50+ population. Each center has its own character, but in general, all of the centers offer opportunities for socializing and recreational activities ranging from physical fitness to the arts, as well as trips—day and overnight. The centers also offer the senior lunch program, food offered at a greatly reduced price. You do not have to reside in the area to participate in any of the activities. Las Palmas Senior Center
Egon Halasz, 84, of Franklin Hills enjoys at book at the Griffith Park Adult Community Center. LA Department of Aging
Seniors play Mah Jong at GPACC. Photo by Marie Chao The Los Angeles Dept. of Aging receives funds from the Federal Government. Part of this contract is to operate 16 multipurpose centers and over 100 community dining centers in the Los Angeles area. Each council district has one multipurpose center. In our area it is the Hollywood Multipurpose Center. At these centers for a $1.75 donation, seniors can have a nutritional lunch five days a week. The multipurpose centers serve as community focal points for senior services, particularly for the frail. For example, Case management, in-home services, adult day care and home-delivered meals are provided by the Multipurpose Center, in addition to recreational activities that are provided by the general senior centers. Other resources through the Dept. of Aging or the local multipurpose center: Hollywood Multipurpose Senior Center
|
