Let's make this a great place to grow old

The people who are active in programs for senior citizens talk a lot these days about “Aging in Place”. In other words, helping older people stay in their homes, rather than moving to nursing homes or other institutional settings.  Most of us would like to continue living at home as long as we can.

The trouble is, sometimes “Aging in Place” means an elderly person living in isolation, on a fixed income, struggling to keep up a house and yard, with their children hundreds of miles away. That is why I prefer the phrase, “Aging in Community”. The older adults that I see with the most satisfying lives are active in church or community programs, have a wide circle of friends and have the health care and income supports they need to be happy and healthy.

What would make Independence a great place to grow old? Of course, a good community for older people is a good community for young families as well. Safe, clean, neighbors looking out for each other. Nevertheless, there are a number of things that can help the older people in our community live well as they age.

Senior centers, such as the Fairmount Community Center and the Palmer Center play an important role for older people, providing opportunities to socialize and access to services. Senior centers are places where people can learn new skills and get help dealing with things like Medicare Part D.

Transportation is critical. When older people have to give up the car keys, it becomes much more difficult to get around. While we have some public transportation options in Independence, most older people will tell you that it’s not nearly enough. 

Housing options: Eventually, you get tired of mowing the lawn and keeping up the house. (I know I do!) Due to the success of the Fairmount Plaza Apartments here in western Independence, we hear a lot of interest in more senior housing in the community. 

Local nursing homes connected to their communities: Even if most of us want to stay in our homes as long as possible, the time comes for many when a nursing home or assisted living facility is necessary. We are fortunate in western Independence to have places like The Groves and Maywood Terrace Living Center that are striving to offer quality care and still connect elderly people to their families and community. 

Affordable, accessible health care and home health services: With the close of Independence Regional, western Independence in particular is lacking in medical services. After this silliness with the Kansas City School District is done and the schools fully absorbed into the Independence School District, I would suggest that medical services is the next big issue for western Independence.

American culture celebrates youth, and our youth are certainly worth celebrating. But our older people carry our history and they have skills and insights to share. God willing, we are all going to be there one day. Let us work to make Independence a good place to grow old.