Age of Celebration Block Party Highlights Issues Faced by Northeast Older Adults
As the saying goes, age is just a number. Embracing the spirit of this adage and acknowledging the trials faced by the elderly demographic, the mid-America Regional Council (MARC) hosted its Age of Celebration event on June 28. The free block party was brimming with activities, health and wellness vendors, free food and refreshments, live music, and guest speakers, creating not only a festive atmosphere but also a platform to discuss essential issues.
The Rising Challenge
Older adults today face a multitude of challenges – inadequate retirement savings, chronic health conditions, lack of caregivers, limited transportation options, and inappropriate housing. MARC provides several services to improve the living standards of the older adults, encourage independence, and support caregivers. Such services include light housekeeping, personal care, nutrition programs, and transportation services.
The importance of such an event like Age of Celebration became paramount after a listening tour conducted by MARC Aging and Social Services across the neighborhoods in Kansas City.
Navigating the Challenges
The event aimed at understanding and solving the community needs with an exhaustive planning process spanning several months. One of the significant challenges faced while organizing such an important event is the language barrier. The Historic Northeast is a melting pot of more than 100 languages, making it challenging to discern the community’s needs and preferences. Strike collaborations and collective effort are required to make such events accessible to everyone in the region.
Preparing for the Future
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that by 2035, adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children under 18. To cater to this demographic shift, we need to strengthen the infrastructure and start preparing now. As Lane Foster, the volunteer coordinator for Kansas City Hospice, explains, “Having readily available information about your options is valuable. It’s a need that no one thinks about until it directly affects them,” it becomes imperative to actively educate and sensitize the community about the challenges faced by the elderly population.
Housing Concerns for the Elderly
Elderly individuals choosing to live at home frequently face obstacles including home repair, which may result from limited financial resources and physical limitations. Without adequate support and resources, these challenges can multiply over time, making it increasingly difficult for older adults to maintain safe and comfortable living environments.
Focusing on Nutrition
The event also focused on nutrition-related issues faced by the older adults where nutritional deficiencies are a significant problem often caused due to reduced appetite or difficulties in accessing grocery stores or personal meal preparation. MARC provides a food delivery program for individuals 60 or older to ensure they get their recommended daily allowance of nutrients.
Jumping Ahead
“The need for another event like this is obvious,” says Kristi Bohling-DaMetz, Director of Aging Services at MARC. “There is interest and understanding of how valuable this event is and can be. The biggest hurdle to hosting another event will be funding. A lot of this event was supported by COVID funding,” she said. “We are going to need more than just state and federal aid to start meeting our goals; we need to be locally backed as well.”
Certainly, the Age of Celebration not only celebrated the spirit of aging but also highlighted the necessity for continued efforts and funding to combat the challenges faced by older adults in the community. A society that addresses the growing needs of its older population is indeed the one that thrives.
