Inspired by a Healthy Aging framework out of Alberta, Canada, Calhoun County Senior Services (CCSS) is working to create programs that support healthy aging in Calhoun County. This effort is supported by the William G. and Marion E. Stuckle Fund, which is held by Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) and provides funding for initiatives that promote good health outcomes across our region.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults outnumber children in 11 states and nearly half of all counties across the country. And, earlier this year, Older Americans Month focused on “flipping the script on aging,” encouraging Americans to transform how we talk about, perceive, and approach both aging and how we view the contributions of older adults.
Utilizing Social Determinants of Health – those conditions where people function at their best and have ideal quality of life – CCSS is looking at five areas that determine the best outcomes for older adults. They are economic stability, social and community connections, education, health care access and quality, and Iiving environments that promote connection and community. With all of this in mind, CCSS is launching three collaborative efforts this fall to support seniors locally.
One key social determinant for healthy aging is rectifying social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to a higher risk of dementia and other serious health problems for seniors.
The Rural Aging Symposium a,t Homer High School on October 14 will gather 120 residents and leaders from across the county with experts on rural aging. Together, participants will focus on articulating the challenges ,that seniors in rural locales face, study ways we can meet the needs of older adults living in the farthest reaches of our county, and come up with tangible ways forward that encourage healthy aging, connection, and support of our older neighbors.
Next, in a collaboration with Albion College, CCSS will focus on ways to engage older adults in ou1door activities. The pandemic revealed the negative impact of not just social isolation but staying stuck inside for long periods of time. We don’t want that to happen ,to our older adults as they face challenges t-o mobility, transportation and connection with community.
The intent of this initiative is to create programs based in local parks where seniors can learn about the environment, participate in meaningful outdoor activities and look forward to immersing in the outdoors with peers and community leaders.
Finally, CCSS is bringing the global program, Men’s Sheds, to Calhoun County. This program started in Australia and has expanded to the Uni,ted Kingdom and Canada, where it aims t,o connect older men in meaningful activities where they can build camaraderie and contribute to their community.
Research reveals that as we age, one unique challenge facing older men is finding meaningful relationships with their peers . Men’s Sheds create an environment for activities like wood shop and building, which older men might enjoy and find camaraderie with peers.
Of course, all of these wonderful initiatives can’t happen without involvement from our community’ Local residents can get involved and support our older population in a variety of ways.
Anyone who is passionate about supporting older adults in the ways outlined above can volunteer their time by contacting Calhoun County Senior Services at (269) 781-0846. People can also contribute to the William G. and Marion E. Stuckle Fund, which is stewarded by Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) to support initiatives for seniors.
We are looking for leaders in the community who want to create change, who want to engage in innovative activities, who want to get involved to lift up their neighbors and friends.
We also want to put the community’s funds to good use. So much is possible when we partner, collaborate, and envision a better future for all.
Mary Muliett is President and CEO of Battle Creek Community Foundation
Rod Auton is Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services.
Originally Published at onscenepub.com