The Scoop - November 25, 2013
Posted by Phil Hayne
on Nov 27, 2013
Ohio's Elder Population Is Growing
Rotary Meeting Highlights
November 25, 2013
President Mike called the meeting to order at 12 noon
Father Dave Ross led the invocation through the “Shaker Dancing Song” sung by the members and guests.
Sergeant-at-arms report given by Gary Bright reporting 62 members present and several guests welcomed.
Larry Webb provided the “Fellowship” and highlighted several articles in the newspaper that involved Rotarians. Some fines were levied. Following that Larry wanted to highlight a couple of members and quizzed members as to what they knew about them. Phil Hayne and Father Dave Ross were chosen. Members were reluctant to share their knowledge of these two fine gentlemen.
Announcements:
- Christmas Auction next Monday and still in need of auction items and still time to register to attend. No regular meeting next week.
- Special Needs Christmas Party on December 7th. Santa Claus appeared at the podium and announced that there is still a need for sponsors.
- Salvation Army Bell ringing on December 21st. The response has been good but could still use some additional bell ringers
- Next Alternative meeting is December 12th at Fresh. Last time there were six attendees and a good discussion was had.
- Philippines typhoon assistance. Last week there was an appeal to help sponsor Shelter Boxes and $720 was raised from the club. Appeal was made to anyone who did not contribute last week could contribute $20 as they left the meeting today.
Program:
Dr. Bonnie Burman of the Ohio Dept. of Aging was the featured speaker. She highlighted that the population in Ohio is going to see a significant increase in persons over the age 65 by the year 2020. In fact in some counties it is projected that over 50% of the population would be 65+. Why is this happening? Dr. Burman believes it is because young people are moving out of state and seeking jobs in other areas of the country. We need to continue to build jobs to retain our young people.
Dr. Burman indicated that “tinkering” with addressing the needs of older adults is not the answer but rather to take a different view of aging. Need to change our mindset and rather than viewing them as “service recipients” but rather as our elders who continue to grow, thrive contribute and can share their wisdom. They are the ones that built this state.
Dr. Burman shared an example of how older adults are engaged in helping children to read to meet the “3rd grade reading guarantee. Project More a national program where seniors go into the schools and assist with reading but also teach “soft” skills. Seniors are healthier when contributing.
Dr Burman highlighted a focus on prevention with specific reference to “falls’’ that seniors experience. She sighted that every two minutes a senior falls in Ohio. Falls are a leading cause of ER visits for those over 65+. Its “matter of balance” and maintaining good health – exercise. “Steady You” is a major initiative of the Dept. with the goal preventing falls. A guest shared her story of how keeping fit and active has made a difference for her. She is 92 years old.
Meeting concluded with the usual recognition of a children’s book being given to the library in Dr. Burman’s honor.