Aging Gracefully
Written by Ashley Christopher
While
It’s a part of life that can’t
be changed: aging. No matter what new miracle anti-aging cream or cosmetic
surgery is introduced, getting older by the year isn’t going away anytime soon.
Until the mythical fountain of youth is discovered, aging will be an accepted
(however resignedly) facet of life.
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, more and more companies and businesses are offering services to seniors. These services help seniors stay content in their current lifestyle and enable them go about their day-to-day activities — even have a little fun.
Across the
Transportation
One of the concerns that top the list of senior’s worries, as well as their families’, is transportation. Many seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, or are simply unable to.
Since the early 1970’s, Older
Adults Transportation Service has offered convenient, accessible rides to
seniors across
“It’s important for us to provide this service to seniors because many times, they have no other way of getting where they need to be,” said Pam Knox, east region OATS director.
In
For a complete schedule of
available transportation by OATS within
Another agency that provides transportation for medical services is the O’Fallon Senior Center-operated Senior Transportation and Rides program. Their services are available to the elderly who have no other means of transportation for medical necessities.
“We want to help keep seniors in their own homes safely for as long as possible,” said Sarah McDonald, STAR coordinator.
It is important to those involved in STAR to provide this transportation because it helps take some of the burden off family members, McDonald said.
“Many times, family members can’t get off work to take their parents or grandparents to their doctors appointments,” she said. “Our volunteers help relieve some of that worry and stress.”
Unlike OATS which has a fleet of vehicles that serve seniors, STAR is completely operated by volunteers who use their own vehicles to transport seniors. The volunteers go the seniors’ homes, take them to the doctor, wait for them to get done with the appointment and then take them back home, McDonald said.
Seniors wishing to utilize the
STAR program must be at least 62 years old, a
To schedule a ride with a STAR volunteer, call the program coordinator at (636) 978-3306. It is asked that rides be scheduled at least three days in advance.
Nutrition
Age has no matter when it comes to the importance of good nutrition, but it can become a greater challenge for seniors to prepare healthy meals for themselves as the years pass. MealCall is a nation-wide organization that is dedicated to providing healthy, well-rounded meals for the aging population.
While the generic term Meals on Wheels may be the most recognized brand offered by MealCall, it’s not the only program they offer. Meals on Wheels offers home-delivered meals to those aged 60 and over who are either homebound or ill, but congregate meal programs are also offered by MealCall at community locations such as Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA) senior centers. Unlike the home-delivered meals, congregate meals are not limited to those with mobility or health issues. The only requirement is that participants be at least 60 years old.
According to MEAAA area
supervisor Eileen Cushman, the four
“We are a non-profit organization, so we ask for a donation of $3 per meal, but if the senior is unable to pay, they don’t have to,” Cushman said.
Both home-delivered and congregate meals are well-rounded and offer a variety of nutritious hot and cold options. The healthy meals are generally planned by nutritional experts at MEAAA’s central office and considerations such as taste, caloric content, sodium content, fat content and other nutritional matters are taken.
“Except for a center’s choice or special event, the meals are the same at all four centers,” Cushman said.
The four MEAAA senior centers in
The senior centers listed above can also take applications for Meals on Wheels services. The centers’ administrators will visit the home of the applicant to determine if they are eligible to receive delivered meals.
Senior Centers
Many seniors often look forward to spending time with friends and participating in activities for fun. Senior centers offer these needs to seniors, without living in a full-time residential home.
Such centers offer programs like the meals mentioned above, recreational and health programs, exercise classes and volunteer opportunities. Seniors must be at least 60 years old to utilize the centers.
“Our mission is to assist seniors through the journey of aging,” Cushman said. “We’re here to assist them with all of their needs.”
At the MEAAA St. Charles,
“Most of our seniors would say the best part about spending time at one of our centers is just to being able to be around friends, laugh and enjoy their day,” Cushman said.
Each
Education
Regardless of age, a continued
education is an option for anyone. From healthy eating to yoga and internet
concepts to foreign language, the St. Louis-headquartered OASIS Institute
offers a wide variety of senior education classes throughout the greater
With a mission to enrich the lives of mature adults age 50 and older, OASIS offers classes in humanities, technology, arts, health and volunteer services. Some classes are free, while others range from $6 to $75. There are a few classes that only meet once, but some have sessions that can last up to 12 or more meetings.
A variety of class times and dates are offered. For a complete listing of classes and locations, visit www.oasisnet.org.
Resources are abundant in the area. No matter what service a senior needs,
whether it be education, nutrition, transportation or just fun with peers, it
can be found in