Guest Commentary: Keeping seniors active and engaged Chaska Herald
By Doug Schanzenbach
What are we going to do with all of these old people? I am a leading-edge baby boomer who has spent the last 10 years or so dealing with aging parents, health insurance that isn’t really insurance, and subtle job discrimination.
I have some thoughts about how the city of Chaska can deal with its elderly citizens. By addressing their issues and extending their productivity, it might turn an anticipated drain on the city’s resources into an asset.
Though the city has little power to deal directly with health care issues or job discrimination, it can provide much support for those who still wish to contribute in a meaningful way, such as volunteer opportunities, a safe environment, alternative transportation options, and inclusive housing options.
Here are some thoughts:
Keeping engaged
Old people shouldn’t just hang out with old people. I’ve started to participate in an ongoing “Active Seniors” discussion group at the Senior Center and I enjoy it – but really, most of us have raised kids and have an experience-based sense of how to negotiate all of life’s issues. You shouldn’t need to have relatives and grandchildren in town to be actively included in activities with younger people.
