There is no current policy on Aging and the concomitant needs for caregivers as well as those of us who are aging. Being at so many conferences where we talk about “ them” has now become “ us! With over 10,000 baby boomers reaching the magic age of 65 there are stringent demands on the families, the delivery systems and the economy.
In addition to health care needs, housing, financial resources to sustain the senior policy makers, read Congress need to heed the voice of seniors and their advocates. The AARP foundation and their President, Lisa Marsh Ryerson is focusing on eradicating poverty for this fragile population.
Reversing senior poverty is a multidimensional strategy. By-products of being a senior and living in poverty results in isolation, depression, non-compliance with health adherence which has social, economic and healthcare costs. The Foundation is seeking to bring together the stakeholders to address this issue and impact policy. Economics is not the sole intervention. Being able to coalesce faith based organizations, volunteers is essential to have a collective impact.
