Senior Issues Aging Population Needs To Be Better Utilized Senior Citizens Can Be Vital Part Of Community By Volunteering, Advising And Working Part Time

Sat., Jan. 15, 2000

Larry Belmont Special To Handle

Second in a series

The United Nations declared 1999 the International Year of Older Persons. Modern Maturity Magazine warns that we must not ignore this “global aging” because soon one-third of the population will be over 60 years old.

In the next 10 years, the number of retiring workers will increase by 56 percent, creating a need to make better use of our aging population. Public agencies have been tapping these vital resources for years by using seniors as volunteers, advisers and part-time workers.

Rose Spencer, who lives in the tiny timber town of Fernwood, with a population of 150, says: “It’s easy and important to be involved in services that help other people, and the North Idaho Office on Aging and Adult Services makes it possible.”

Dick Tate, director of the Senior Companion Program agrees, but has another concern. “I hope more citizens will become involved in the local service programs in order to maintain our local control.”

Rose Spencer is president of the Advisory Council for the North Idaho office of the Aging and Adult Services. There are six regions in Idaho, and this region covers the five northern counties. Each region has a similar council, composed of dedicated individuals, all of whom volunteer their time to help guide the many services of Area Agency on Aging in their region.

Other folks can become involved by just going to the local senior center to learn what they are doing and to learn how they can help. “North Idaho does not have the old-time welcome wagon, so people need to feel welcome to visit the center in their county,” Spencer said.

There are many ways for senior citizens to become involved, but they do have to make an effort.

“We inherited tomorrow, and we need to become involved and active to plan for it,” said Tom Moore, administrative director of the Coeur d’Alene Senior Center. He sees the center becoming more “active in social aspects of the community.” Anyone can call or visit him about involvement. Moore will interview them to learn more about their interests and how they can help. The senior center number is 667-4628.

The state Office on Aging also has an advisory council composed of seven representatives appointed by the governor. This committee helps guide the overall state effort, and submits a budget to the Legislature.

Much of the money for the aging programs of Idaho comes from the federal government with some state match contribution. Ivan Hanson, a former state senator, represents the northern region on the state council.

The Senior Companion Program provides friendly visits to folks who are home-bound and enjoy the companionship of others. Local folks can get involved in the actual home visits as a Senior Companion or by helping to chart the direction of the program as an advisory committee member. Anyone interested should contact Dick Tate at the Senior Companion Program office, phone 664-8544.

The Idaho State Legislative Committee for the AARP is made up of volunteers from all over the state. Al Sharon of Coeur d’Alene serves as chairman. Sharon says his committee “has taken action on issues that not only impact seniors but children also. We like to be intergenerational in our efforts.”

That’s one of the main criticisms he had of AARP, so he got involved to do something about it. Others can do the same by contacting AARP or Sharon at 667-4554, or Fay Harder at 765-6097. If you cannot reach either Sharon or Harder, call the local Senior Center and leave a message.

Harder and his wife, Lillian, coordinate the activities of the Senior Coalition in addition to their AARP role. The coalition is composed of representatives of several senior groups, but Harder wants “everyone to know that their Saturday morning meetings are open to anyone interested in state or national legislation.” Because this is an election year, he expects a good turnout of legislators.

Many volunteer opportunities await retired folks, but they must make an effort to become involved. The above list of agencies reflects just a few of the places ready to help. Decide what your interest might be and start from there.

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