March 20, 2023
Dear editor;
The Age Guide Collaborative Breakfast was held Friday, March 17 at Senior Services in Aurora.
Many were in attendance including various Senior Advocacy Organizations, legislators including Rep Bill Foster and representatives from Lauren Underwood and State senator Karina Villa offices.
Many of the seniors from Aurora Township were present, along with representatives from State senator Karina Villas Senior Advisory Committee.
Marla Fronczak, the head of Age Guide, welcomed us and talked of the diversity of aging adults and increasing needs as the population grows. Courtney Hedderman from AARP Chicago gave the keynote address. Micki Miller from Senior Services presented on equity and aging services.
The legislators and their representatives discussed at their governmental level what is available, what will be available, and bills that have been passed to protect and benefit senior citizens. Representative Foster assured us that Republicans have brought up cuts to Social Security and Medicare since its inception and have not followed through.
The take-aways were that the need is increasing. We are a society that does not stay close in proximity to the nuclear family and we as a population are getting sicker. Because of the cost of services many are caring for the elderly in their homes without pay and are under stress, especially if the person has a variety of needs.
One of the biggest crises is Alzheimer’s. Seniors can be facing isolation, high-medical costs, food scarcity, lack of both housing and transportation. There is a need to make social investments to maximize human flourishing.
Questions from the audience related to services and to the fear of loss of self as an individual enters the land of seniors because it often is filled with complacency and conformity. Legislators and their representatives along with Age Guide and their sponsors remained to further answers question.
More of these dialogues are needed. Younger people need to be aware of programs and benefits available as one approaches the older years. Information is essential before a crisis occurs. We need to show that helping the aging population is a benefit and a human need of compassion for all generations.
Marjorie Logman, Aurora