LLI panel discussion highlights aging issues
By Jennifer M. Drummond CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Photo courtesy of Lifelong Learning Institute Don Kappel and Thelma Watson discuss services for the county's seniors during a recent event at the Lifelong Learning Institute.

Aging is a process often openly embraced, sometimes quietly feared and secretly denied even though it's as certain as the days and years continue to add up. "Aging is not a problem itself. It is a wonderful opportunity in many ways, and I think in America we have so many seniors who are engaged and contributing to our community," said Thelma Bland Watson, Ph.D., executive director of Senior Connections, The Capital Area on Aging.

Watson recently spoke as part of a twomember panel about the older population in Chesterfield County at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Midlothian. Don Kappel, the county's director of public affairs, offered questions to prompt discussion, while about 100 participants packed the all-purpose room at the institute to listen in. They were there to learn about services and programs tailored to the county's aging population.

"[The center] has made a huge impact. It is allowing seniors who were isolated to continue learning, keep their mind sharp, and it is a place to help them be more active in the community," said Monica Hughes, the center's director.

Watson hit on a number of issues pertinent to seniors, including housing, transportation, demographics, technology and others.

Senior housing is becoming more prevalent in the county, including a rise in assisted living facilities where older adults can remain active, independent and be a part of a community. A number of multifamily housing developments are now in the works, including some that have age-restricted units. "We do have many housing options in Chesterfield because people want to remain as independent and have choices," Watson said.

While addressing a question about transportation, Watson said, "We do know that transportation like other issues impacts our older citizens, but it impacts all of us. People are driving and being able to move on their own more than we saw in the past," she said.

Programs such as Access Chesterfield, which offers rides to seniors living in the county for a low fee, are also needed, she said.

Services aimed at seniors are becoming even more important as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. According to a 2007 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of persons ages 65 and older in the U.S. will more than double to 71 million by 2030. This will make up roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population. In some states, fully a quarter of the population will be ages 65 and older.

"Most of us will be involved with care-giving in some ways, someone will provide the care, or someone will receive the care. We have information to provide to people who need to find resources. Senior Connections, the agency I work with, is one of 25 in the Commonwealth of Virginia concerned with providing information and services to people to help caregivers and to help seniors make it," Watson said

Nationally, not enough has been done to prepare the baby boomers for senior life, she added. However, Virginia is engaged in a study called, "The Older Dominion Project," which is collecting information on older adults' employment, health care and education by partnering with the business community. The project will identify needs within the senior population.

"We think that one key in reaching the boomers and helping them to prepare is through the business community and through the employers," Watson explained.

Changing demographics is another topic of concern in the county. "We have not had a large population of older Hispanics. They tend to be younger, but that is changing. We need to make sure our services are culturally appropriate for our diverse community," Watson explained.

Keeping seniors engaged in the community is also an issue. Watson mentioned the Friendship Café program, which provides 17 locations throughout the region where seniors can go for lunch and fellowship. She said the main purpose is to engage in educational, recreational and health and fitness activities.

When it comes to lifelong planning, Watson suggested people should start looking at legal issues such as having a will, power of attorney and a health care directive.

Even meeting basic needs can become more difficult as people age. Services like Meals- On-Wheels are available to help seniors with nutritional needs while also providing social contact.

Similarly, seniors also have opportunities to volunteer. "Most of the volunteers for Meals- On-Wheels are seniors," said Watson. There are many other opportunities for seniors to volunteer, including museums, hospitals and schools.

While addressing technology, Watson recommended seniors consider signing up for Easy Access No Wrong Door, a state initiative where they can submit their information in a database online and then gain access to information about numerous services for older adults.

Watson praised the Lifelong Learning Institute for helping seniors address some of the most pressing issues related to aging. "It is the right model in terms of keeping our older citizens engaged because, I think we are less conscious of age and more concerned with keeping people involved and using their contributions," Watson said.