Maybe it’s the time of year that makes me reflect on the cycle of life and those of us who are now classified as “older adults.” Fall is my favorite season, but not so much for those who might be facing the challenges of their golden years with not much gold at all. At Loaves & Fishes, our senior populations have been quietly growing, whispering the need for a little more attention than we might think.
In September, a small group of concerned agencies met to talk about the contours of this group, and why they might need special attention. We were all in agreement: more seniors than ever are in need of help, and they have certain characteristics that might make them a little harder to reach. Here are some highlights from the discussion:
• Seniors have more than their fair share of transportation problems.
• Seniors are often experiencing health concerns that make it difficult to wait in crowded areas or walk long distances.
• Those same disabilities can demand a restricted diet.
• Many older adults have blended into other families, so that they almost lose their personal space and identity.
• This hard-working generation seems to be the most sensitive and embarrassed about their circumstances. They don’t like to feel like a burden.
It is heart-warming to know that there are many who still care about what happens to our predecessors. Food insecurity is a problem that we can solve for seniors, even when it takes a little extra TLC.
—Jane Macdonald
Contact Joan at programs@loaves-fishes.org for Loaves and Fishes Community Services
