Providing information for & about individuals over the age of 55
Some members of Southeast Seattle Senior Center were among recent recipients of free pet food from Seattle Humane’s Pet Food Bank. Since starting in 1983 with 15 volunteers and a $500 donation, the pet food bank has expanded to the point of delivering more than 1 million meals for 23,000-plus clients in just the past 12 months. More information, including how to support the program with donations, is at seattlehumane.org and 425-649-7566.
Social isolation is a term we’ve all become familiar with over the last three years. While lifting COVID-19 restrictions on gathering together has opened doors for some, others struggle with isolation, particularly older adults. In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called attention to what he called the nation’s public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection. He emphasized the importance of social connection and community.
According to the Murthy, the health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent higher risk of stroke, and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia. Additionally, lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60 percent, and social isolation contributes substantially to mental health challenges.
MultiCare Celebrate Seniority, based in Puyallup, is helping address the issue of senior social isolation through its involvement with Senior Friends, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The program operated by LCSN, a non-profit social services agency that has several senior-oriented services, matches volunteers with lonely or socially isolated older adults throughout Pierce County.
Volunteers, also known as Friends, give their time to offer companionship to someone who otherwise may feel left out and alone. Friends provide opportunities to take walks, go for drives, and run errands, among other activities.
A Friends volunteer commits to 100 hours of service, with a weekly visit either in-person for two to four hours or a phone call to check in. Volunteers must be at least 21, pass a background check and interview, provide references, and be willing to take part in training.
Seniors looking to have a Friend visit them can complete an intake form. After the match of Friend and Senior is confirmed, they begin their regular visits.
As a future participant shared, “The opportunity to have someone come and visit me or call will make a world of difference. Since my car was stolen and I can’t afford a replacement, I must use a rideshare company to get to the doctor or anywhere. Having someone who might be willing to take me would be a blessing.”
More information is available from Senior Friends at 253-722-5682 or Celebrate Seniority at 253-697-3005.
By Roger Least
The much-buzzed-about “silver tsunami” poses major opportunities for the senior-living industry. In 2022, the U.S. assisted-living market size was valued at $91 billion and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2023 to 2030. From a population standpoint, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 75 to 84 age group made up roughly 14 million (29 percent) of the senior population in 2016, which is more than double the number and proportion of those 85 and older. Around 27 percent of the population is between 75 and 84.
In short, the senior-living Industry is positioned for notable growth as it welcomes the Baby Boomer generation into communities. With this comes a shift in thinking, consumption, and lifestyle.
As the corporate dining director at Brightview Senior Living, a company of independent and assisted-living communities in eight East Coast states, I oversee the dining experience at all 46 communities.. I work with teams who are cooking in the kitchen and serving in the dining rooms to balance nostalgic food favorites with nutrient-dense options to optimize their nutrition and overall health.
We know through research that food and community go hand-in-hand: The more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives. Thus, from an overall health and socialization standpoint, the senior-living dining experience is more crucial than ever.
Hare the three senior living dining trends we’re seeing:
The senior-living dining experience is more than preparing three meals a da.: it’s breaking bread, connecting with others, and providing a hospitality experience. As we welcome the next generation into our communities, we look forward to learning from them and catering to their needs – while maybe even getting them to try something new along the way.
A new addition to the Navy’s fleet will be named for a Pacific Northwest leader of Native Americans.
Navy officials announced the USNS Billy Frank Jr. will be a Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship when it’s built. The name selection follows the tradition of naming such ships in honor of prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes
Frank was a Nisqually tribal member and an iconic Native American environmental leader and treaty rights activist before his death in 2014. His promoted cooperative management of natural resources while dedicating his life to activism. He served as chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for more than 30 years.
“I am honored for the opportunity to name a naval ship after a man who was a proponent and leader for Native American rights,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro . “Billy Frank Jr. spent his life serving others, and his namesake ship will do the same as it travels around the world enabling humanitarian assistance and the maintenance of freedom.”
