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Boomers, Consider Buddying with Elders

The Wilmington News-Journal, 7/13/09

Abstract:

...Although many older adults are able to remain active and engaged well into their 80s and beyond these days, many of the "oldest old" are at a much greater risk of isolation and loneliness.

As they get older, their spouses, close relatives and friends die, and their mobility often becomes more limited due to the increased prevalence of certain diseases and poorer vision as we age.

As a result, they are less able to be involved in their communities or take advantage of social opportunities. And this is when they can become particularly vulnerable to the kind of exploitation noted in the News Journal's recent articles, "Police warn grandparents of phone scams" (June 13) and "Woman convicted of exploiting elderly man" (June 16). Working in elder services at Children & Families First, I assure you that these incidents happen way too often to isolated elders, with no one to look out for and advise them.

But the article, "The audacity of baby boomers"(June 14) provided the perfect counterbalance to these grim scenarios. This boomer generation is eager to remain connected and to contribute to their communities well into their retirement years. They have a wealth of experience and many well-honed skills that previous retiree generations did not.

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