Growing old (not older) ain't too bad for some
by Paul Kusuda
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Growing older is okay for most of us until suddenly, we feel, or someone refers to us, as old. Growing older happens every
second, every minute -- and there's nothing we can do about it. As a Japanese might say, "Shikata ga nai" which means "It
can't be helped." Or as a Latino might say, "Que sera, sera," or "Whatever will, be will be." Anyway, aging is inevitable. So is
death. So are tax increases.
Some find that aging is not so great. Old folks might become more dependent on others than they want. Others more
fortunate, find time for leisure or enjoyment -- to appreciate their families and friends, to get to know their grandchildren better,
to read, to travel, etc. That's good. What would be even better is, if the fortunate ones would use their time to think about others
who are less fortunate. What's best is if they would become active and do something about what they've thought about.
After a certain age, we older adults become "seniors," and many enter what's called the "golden age." Of course, some of us
find we've become the "elderly frail." But until then, we can become part of activities aimed to improve the future -- a future we
might not live long enough to enjoy.
Yes, seniors (golden-agers) do face many problems; however, in Dane County, and in other counties, both public and private
social agencies work to help older adults avoid non-desirable situations and, when needed, provide services to help those
who need more than prevention advice and counseling. Agencies like the Area Agency on Aging of Dane County, RSVP
(Retired Senior and Volunteers Program), CWAG (Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups), AARP (American Association of
Retired Persons), and many others have professional staff who know how to help and also know of others who can provide
specialized services.
In Dane County, the District Attorney's Office has staff who join with deputy sheriffs and others to help prevent elder abuse
and other situations affecting the aged. In Madison, the City Police Department is interested in preventing crime against the
elderly. Police Chief Noble Wray spoke to a group, mostly 55 and older, who attended the Future Lifestyles Show in April. He
said that people should be aware of what is called the "crime triangle": location, suspect, and victim. He pointed out that older
adults should always be aware of location -- public place, lighting, presence of other people, personal safety considerations,
etc. Also, the elderly need to pay attention to not becoming victims; they should try to reduce the element of isolation as much
as possible. One of the techniques being used by the police is "crime prevention through environmental design."
Chief Wray responded to many concerns expressed by the audience -- identity theft, elder abuse, financial scams, traffic,
pedestrian safety, etc. The availability of police protection was a key concern. Chief Wray called attention to the growing
potential for problems related to condo-living. The concerns differ from those of apartment living because the units are
owner-occupied and are often better maintained inside and out; condominium contracts ease the burden of upkeep. Also,
security measures are different; apartment renters tend to be more transient than condo owners. Thus, security and prevention
issues have to be dealt with differently.
So, the elderly face a variety of problems, many of which can be dealt with through preventive measures. Others may well
require more planning, avoidance, and services by different professionals. The challenges are here; senior citizens must meet
them. One way, of course, is for us to volunteer to help existing agencies with the knowledge, time, and aptitudes we may not
be aware we have. Police departments have need for older adult volunteers, as do many private and public social agencies.
We need to shed some of our inhibitions and go out to volunteer our talents. RSVP, United Way, CWAG, and other groups are
glad to help find volunteer opportunities. Don't forget churches, synagogues, hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers,
fraternal and other clubs, non-profits and public agencies that need volunteer participation.
Many of us who are elderly may not be around 15 to 20 years from now, but we can join with younger folk to plan for the future
-- reduce all kinds of pollution, improve living conditions for others living now or still to be born, reduce negative manifestation
of institutional racism, encourage better use of public funds (federal, state, county, etc.), support research efforts to improve the
quality of life, and on and on and on.