Can you afford to live in your home state as you get older? To find out, visit the Elder Index. This index lists the cost of living in 17 different states from Connecticut to California for older singles and couples. The study, in pdf format, for each state lists costs for people renting or with or without mortgages. It also cites healthcare costs.
The only downside to the information is that it is four years old. The most important aspect of this information is that it shows what percentage of each state's senior population is on the verge of poverty. As people live longer and more people enter their senior years, our nation will be facing some important challenges in ensuring our older adults do not slip into poverty. The time to build awareness and to start planning is now.
Learn About Darien's Aging in Place+Gallivant
Last week, "Community Matters", hosted by Jim Cameron on Darien TV 79 (Cablevision), ran an interview with leaders of Aging in Place+Gallivant. Community Matters is a local program that looks at the various organizations which make Darien, CT, a better place to live.
Mr. Cameron spoke with AIP+G Executive Director Gina Blum, Board President Dorothy Baker, and former Board President Kaye Barker. They explained how AIP+G's mission is to help Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own home as long as possible. The organization provides referrals to vetted nonprofit agencies and private service providers, as well as direct services including: transportation, small tasks, shopping and friendly visitors. They are also offering outings and events in conjunction with other community and area organizations, such as the public library, senior center, and Darien Community Association. (Full disclosure, I'm a member of the board and chair of the transportation committee.)
Learn more at www.aginginplace+gallivant.org or call Gina at 203.585.4094.
To arrange a ride on our Gallivant van or in our sedan, call the Gallivant dispatcher at Drivers Unlimited: 203.655.2227.
And watch the interview:
Aging in Place+Gallivant Interview from Wyn Lydecker on Vimeo.
Mr. Cameron spoke with AIP+G Executive Director Gina Blum, Board President Dorothy Baker, and former Board President Kaye Barker. They explained how AIP+G's mission is to help Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own home as long as possible. The organization provides referrals to vetted nonprofit agencies and private service providers, as well as direct services including: transportation, small tasks, shopping and friendly visitors. They are also offering outings and events in conjunction with other community and area organizations, such as the public library, senior center, and Darien Community Association. (Full disclosure, I'm a member of the board and chair of the transportation committee.)
Learn more at www.aginginplace+gallivant.org or call Gina at 203.585.4094.
To arrange a ride on our Gallivant van or in our sedan, call the Gallivant dispatcher at Drivers Unlimited: 203.655.2227.
And watch the interview:
Aging in Place+Gallivant Interview from Wyn Lydecker on Vimeo.
Pickleball To Start at Darien Senior Center
If you live in Darien and want to try Pickleball, come on down to the Darien Senior Center on Edgerton Street.
Pickleball will begin Tuesday March 6, 2012, at 9:30 am. The cost will be $3 per session. Mark your calendars.
Pickleball is easy on the joints, is lots of fun and is great exercise.
Pickleball will begin Tuesday March 6, 2012, at 9:30 am. The cost will be $3 per session. Mark your calendars.
Pickleball is easy on the joints, is lots of fun and is great exercise.
Award Winning Senior Transportation
One of the keys to independent living for seniors is access to transportation. This morning I read some really great stories about organizations all over the country that are providing superior senior transportation. These organizations were all winners the STAR Awards from the Beverly Foundation. I found the write-ups to be truly inspirational: So many volunteers and professionals driving so many miles to help seniors (or "elders") get to medical appointments or go shopping for groceries.
You can read the stories for yourself: http://beverlyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/STAR-Awards-2011-Report-FINAL.pdf
If you are part of an organization that provides senior transportation, then maybe you'll want to apply for a STAR award. As chair of the Aging in Place+Gallivant transportation committee, I'm thinking that we should do so, but maybe next year.
Here's a copy of the Beverly Foundation's brief release about their awards:
Beverly Foundation Senior Transportation STAR Awards—Application Opens January 15
The Beverly Foundation will be awarding $10,000 to up to 18 senior transportation services and programs through the 2012 STAR Awards. To be eligible for a STAR Award, applicants must: deliver transportation services to senior passengers; be in operation for at least three years; know how to report transportation data (e.g., driven miles, cost per ride, number of senior passengers); demonstrate an ability to identify good practices in delivering transportation services to senior passengers; and submit a complete application. Application instructions, past STAR Award reports, and a news release are now online. The STAR Awards application may be accessed through the Beverly Foundation website starting January 15 and will close on January 29.
You can read the stories for yourself: http://beverlyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/STAR-Awards-2011-Report-FINAL.pdf
If you are part of an organization that provides senior transportation, then maybe you'll want to apply for a STAR award. As chair of the Aging in Place+Gallivant transportation committee, I'm thinking that we should do so, but maybe next year.
Here's a copy of the Beverly Foundation's brief release about their awards:
Beverly Foundation Senior Transportation STAR Awards—Application Opens January 15
The Beverly Foundation will be awarding $10,000 to up to 18 senior transportation services and programs through the 2012 STAR Awards. To be eligible for a STAR Award, applicants must: deliver transportation services to senior passengers; be in operation for at least three years; know how to report transportation data (e.g., driven miles, cost per ride, number of senior passengers); demonstrate an ability to identify good practices in delivering transportation services to senior passengers; and submit a complete application. Application instructions, past STAR Award reports, and a news release are now online. The STAR Awards application may be accessed through the Beverly Foundation website starting January 15 and will close on January 29.
Try Pickleball!
Yesterday, I tried playing Pickleball for the second time in my life. The first time was outside on Cape Cod while visiting relatives. Yesterday was in the Darien Town Hall gym. A friend (Ruth Anne Ramsey, who is a local realtor) arranged for a demonstration Town Hall in an effort to get our Parks and Recreation Department to sponsor Pickleball.
Ruth Anne says Pickleball is great for all ages, kids through seniors, and I agree. Our coach for the day was 80 years old. She made sure to get people out of the audience to come out on the court and try their hand at playing. Ruth Anne also told me that the Darien Schools have introduced Pickleball into their physical education program.
If you haven't tried Pickleball, it's a great way to get out and get exercise without putting as much strain on your joints as you do in tennis or paddle tennis. Take a look at the YouTube videos (see below) and the Pickleball website for more information. Then, get something going in your town.
Watch for announcements about Pickleball in Darien, CT.
Ruth Anne says Pickleball is great for all ages, kids through seniors, and I agree. Our coach for the day was 80 years old. She made sure to get people out of the audience to come out on the court and try their hand at playing. Ruth Anne also told me that the Darien Schools have introduced Pickleball into their physical education program.
If you haven't tried Pickleball, it's a great way to get out and get exercise without putting as much strain on your joints as you do in tennis or paddle tennis. Take a look at the YouTube videos (see below) and the Pickleball website for more information. Then, get something going in your town.
Watch for announcements about Pickleball in Darien, CT.
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