Old People Aren't Old

We've been doing focus groups with the 65+ crowd in Darien, CT, to see how the community could provide resources to help them stay in their homes as they age. The most interesting finding is that most older people don't think of themselves as old. They don't want to be perceived as "needy." They don't even begin to think of themselves as old until they reach 80. The term "senior" connotes someone who is frail and elderly. They are not "seniors".

But even the ones who are 80 want to be out doing things for others. These are the most amazing people. They are so giving. So altruistic. So independent. Is it because they are American and are embued with American independent spirit?

So our new idea is to discover ways to tap this supply of volunteer labor to help others who do need help. More later...