Finding new solutions for current and future senior issues
By Ann L. Harstein
On August 12th, Governor Deval Patrick presided over my swearing in as Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield. It was a great setting for the ceremony, since senior centers are at the very heart of EOEA activities. On a personal note, having been a Council on Aging (COA) director for 11 years, I think it was particularly appropriate to have such a significant event at a senior center. I know Governor Patrick shares that view.
During the week before my swearing-in, I visited the Froio Center in the first of my “Listening Tours” around the Commonwealth. The center is a hub of the community’s senior activity, offering health care information and screening, financial and health insurance counseling, and emotional support to older residents, their families and caregivers. At the same time, the center draws people who want to develop or hone computer skills; share craft or artistic talents; have lunch with others; explore hidden talents, or exercise.
I was heartened by its vibrancy and innovation in programming. Executive Director Jean Beauchemin, her staff and the people who come to the center are creating an inviting place for those who wish to access services and those who want to volunteer their time and skills. More than 300 people a day come to use computers, play Bridge, and engage in exercise, dance, macramé, quilting, painting, grandparents support and dozens of other activity options.
As we move into the next decade, COAs and senior centers will face the challenge of accommodating three distinctively different senior populations: those 60-70; people 70-85; and those over 85. The Froio Center already reflects some of those population shifts.
Never before in our history, have so many people lived so long. Currently, nearly 14 percent of Massachusetts residents are 65 and older, but in the next 20 years, nearly 21 percent will be 65 or older. In that time, the last of the “baby boomers,” born between 1946-1964, will be senior citizens. However, as they “age,” they will have different requirements. They will be healthier, more technologically skilled, and accustomed to a more active lifestyle.
As the change in population brings new challenges for COAs and senior centers, it also offers new opportunities to change society’s perception of older people. As more people are considered “seniors,” and are living longer and healthier lives, they will represent a sizable, powerful group. We look forward to the day when people will accept the idea that aging is a normal part of life and, as a society, will finally realize that all of life is about aging. One essential piece of that process is incorporating healthy habits early in life. Another essential piece is for those of us who are aging to speak up and embrace our aging selves.
Since my appointment, people have asked me about my goals as Secretary. One of my goals is to bring services to people where they need them and in a way that is most accessible; and redesign or eliminate initiatives that don’t really work for people. To that end, I have initiated a group of “Listening Tours” — as I mentioned, Pittsfield was part of the first tour – to hear from seniors and COA staffers. The people who want and need services and programs, and the people who develop and deliver them are the starting point for setting goals.
Working together with local councils and centers, with my staff and other agencies, I want to find new solutions to existing issues, and to anticipate future needs. At the same time, I would feel that I have succeeded in my role as secretary if we can erase the stigma of aging (often called “ageism”). The Commonwealth set a course for the country in establishing the first constitution, the first public education system, the first mass transit system, and the first comprehensive health care initiative. I hope you will work with me to help make Massachusetts the first state to purge itself of ageism.
Ann L. Harstein is Massachusetts Secretary of Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
