Page 22 - Senior Times South Central Michigan October 2023 - 30-10

Page 22 Senior Times - October 2023
"Old Age”
SENIOR HOUSING
The Battle Creek Housing Commission Provides Seniors Comfortable Living at an Affordable Price!
BATTLE CREEK HOUSING COMMISSION
CHERRY HILL MANOR
• One Bedroom Apartments
• Located on Public Bus Line
• Residents’ Community Rm & Meals
• Computer/Card Game Rm./Library
• Parking next to Building
• Antenna & Cable Options
• Pet Friendly Building
• Utilities included/
Online Rent Payment Option
• Secured Building Entry/ Brick Construction
Cherry Hill Manor
Located at 10 Clay St.
Kellogg Manor
Located at 250 Champion St.
KELLOGG MANOR
• Studio & One Bedroom Apartments • Located on Public Bus Line
• Residents’ Community Room
• Some Garages Available/
Pkg. Next to Bldg.
• Antenna & Cable Options
• Pet Friendly Building
• Utilities Included/
Online Rent Payment Option
• Secured Building Entry/ Brick Construction
APPLY AT 250 Champion St. Monday-Friday
7am-noon or 1-4pm 965-0591 www.battlecreekhousing.org
ANXIETY PLUMMETS, HAPPINESS SOARS WITH AGE – Modern elders feel happier, more free, and less anxiety-ridden than younger generations. Today’s modern elders aren’t just looking back, reminisc-
ing on the good old times. 71% of Americans 65+ say the best time of their lives is right now or in front of them.
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Calhoun County Senior Millage
Correspondingly, the definition
of what’s considered “old” today
is changing. The survey found that while age 60 was considered “old” in their grand parents’ time, now age 80 is the median age considered “old” today.
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Benefits Counseling
(517) 629-3842 - Albion (800) 803-7174 - Battle Creek (269) 781-0846 - Marshall
Community Care Options
(269) 441-0948
Dental Services
(269) 781-0952
Handy Helper Services & Bed Bug Remediation (866) 200-8877
Hearing & Vision Services
(269) 441-0964
Home Heating Assistance
(269) 965-7766
Legal Assistance
(800) 688-3951
Meal Delivered / Meal Sites
(866) 200-8877
Minor Home Repair
(877) 422-2726
Money Management
(269) 788-1678
Personal Emergency Response
(269) 441-0930
Prescription Assistance
(269) 781-0952
Ramps for Accessibility
(866) 200-8877
Senior Fitness & Fun
(269) 441-0948
Senior Transportation
(269) 565-4144
Our vocabulary is starting to reflect this shift. When discussing growing older, 69% of U.S. adults 50+ find the term “longevity” more appeal- ing than “aging.” The positivity felt by older adults is in stark contrast to the bias against them in the media, where they are still frequently por- trayed as frail, grumpy, or incoherent. In fact, older adults are seven times more likely to be represented with negative stereotypes in the media.
LIFE LESSONS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT LEGACY – As famous psychologist Erik Erickson wrote, “I am what survives of me.” The study shows that 65% of adults 50+ think that values and life lessons are the most important thing to pass on to their heirs and loved ones. Only 22% said financial assets and/or real estate were the most important.
All services are funded by the citizens of Calhoun County through support of the Senior Millage. Services are available to any County resident, age 60 and over. Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
315 West Green St. Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-0846
www.calhouncountymi.gov
Let us help you piece together the puzzle after sudden illness
Enters a New Age
By: Sandi Mendelson
A revealing new Harris Poll con- ducted by the firm Age Wave has con- firmed substantial shifts in Americans’ perceptions of aging and longevity.
To fasten some data and facts on the longevity revolution, Age Wave conducted The New Age of Aging,
a Harris Poll survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, including over 900 adults age 50+. The study’s results illustrate a dramatic shift in how Americans define old age and envision the possi- bilities of the later years of life.
health) have not kept up, remaining
at an average of 66 years. Americans will spend a median of 12 years living with a disability or serious disease. Looking globally, the U.S. ranks #1 in healthcare expenditures per capita but only #68 in healthy life expectancy.
The survey gives a crucial snapshot of our refashioned sensibilities regard- ing retirement, health, and longevity, and the importance of leaving a lega- cy. “Aging has finally come of age,” said Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., psychol- ogist/gerontologist and founder and CEO of Age Wave. “Understanding our evolving perceptions of aging is more urgent than ever, as people over 65 make up an increasingly large portion of the U.S. population each year, with a projected 53% growth by the year 2050, according to the most recent census projections.” Dychtwald continued, “Workplaces, homes, med- ical systems, transportation, shopping centers, lifelong education, digital technology, and social media must all adapt to meet the demographic reali- ties of this new age of aging.”
to feel useful than youthful in their retirement years. Today’s elders increasingly want a continued sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.
Here are some key takeaways from the survey.
THE DEFINITION OF “RETIREMENT” IS CHANGING – Today’s modern elders are disman- tling long-held cultural beliefs and social norms about how older adults are supposed to look and act. They are eager to pursue new dreams, adventures, and goals, with 97%
of adults 65+ agreeing that it’s important to stay curious and be willing to learn new things throughout life’s later years. Similarly, 66% of Americans age 50+ see retirement as a new chapter in life, while only 16% say it’s principally a time for rest and relaxation.
“OLD” ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE – The survey found that 79% of adults 50+ think today’s older adults are more active, and 58% say they are more open-minded and curious compared with the previous generation.
With these changing views of what retirement should look like, 59% of pre-retirees and retirees say they want to work in some form in retirement. Employee benefits like flex-work, remote-work, sabbaticals, and paid leave can help retain older workers and fuel economic growth.
HEALTHSPANS DON’T MATCH LIFESPANS – In recent decades, we have successfully extend- ed our lifespans, but our healthspans (i.e., the years of dependable good
Age Wave is the nation’s foremost thought leader on population aging and its profound business, social, financial, healthcare, workforce, and cultural implications. For more infor- mation, visit www.agewave.com.
For referrals call us at 269.365.6366 879 E Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 www.MedilodgeofMarshall.com
or injury.
Recover. Rejuvenate . Revitalize . Return Home .
TRADING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH FOR THE FOUNTAIN OF USEFULNESS – The survey found that 83% of U.S. adults 65+ say it’s more important for them