You're Invited to a Conversation about Elder-Friendly Communities Thursday

Patch in examining Census 2010 data that Enumclaw residents in the 45 to 64 age bracket make up 30 percent of the total city population in 2010; in 2000, this same group only represented 18.3 percent.

The population is aging and in that same story, manager Jobyna Nickum detailed some of the changing needs that staff are seeing in the community because of it:

• The Senior Center is already serving two generations of family members due to longer life expectancies and it is forecasted that within five years, the Center will be helping families three generations deep.
• Some seniors are outliving their savings while require more medical and health assistance. This has forced some to go back to work to supplement Social Security payments.
• Some seniors are raising their grandchildren due in part to both economic as well as behavioral problems with their children.
• There has been an increase in the number of adult children needing help navigating the world of senior care.

On Thursday, Nickum is hosting an open community meeting to look into what an elder-friendly community might look like. Put in ideal terms, such a community would value its aging neighbors, respect their abilities, welcome their involvement and insights all the while meeting their needs with a wide range of services and respecting their wishes to continue living where they desire.

Beyond that, are there such communities already in the U.S. and if so, what are they doing? What can the city of Enumclaw and its citizens do to make the community a welcoming place for our seniors?

If you're interested in learning more or possibly to get involved, you'll want to come to the meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

For questions contact Jobyna Nickum at jnickum@ci.enumclaw.wa.us or 360-825-4741.