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Putting the Gold Back in the Golden Years
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As we age, we dream of a life of fulfilling retirement—traveling, hobbies,
spoiling our grand children—without having to worry about money or such basic
needs as food, shelter and health care. If they plan well and are fortunate, that
dream does come true for many older Americans. However, for millions of others,
the reality is quite different.
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In fact, poverty among the elderly is increasing dramatically—the number of Los Angeles area seniors living at or below poverty level has increased 45% since 1980. More than one quarter of L.A. area seniors over 75—those with the greatest need for supportive programs—have annual incomes under $15,000. For this reason, many seniors struggle on a daily basis just to survive, often having to choose between paying the rent or buying groceries and medicine. Many live in drab, unsafe living conditions, without the support of family and friends, with little else to do but mark the passing of each day. This lifestyle leads to disengagement, isolation, illness, frailty and institutionalization. Certainly, no one wants or expects to live like this when they reach their “golden years.”
The good news is that the lives of many low-income seniors in Southern California are changing for the better, thanks to the efforts of More Than Shelter For Seniors® (MTSFS).
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MORE THAN A PLACE TO CALL HOME
MTSFS develops and delivers innovative on-site programs designed to improve the quality of life of thousands of residents of affordable senior housing. The goal is improved health and prolonged independence, delaying the need to move to more expensive and restrictive levels of care, providing substantial savings to state and federal tax-payer-supported funding programs, as well as to seniors' families. MTSFS programs foster empowerment among residents—keeping them actively engaged in life, physically and mentally healthy, reinvigorated with a sense of purpose and given the opportunity to act as sages and mentors to our younger generations.
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Here are some pertinent facts about the population that MTSFS serves:
- Communities are for residents “55 and over” but average age is 72 years old.
- They earn an average of $10,800 per year, with more than half going to rent.
- Only 46% still own a car and less drive.
- Only 16% are still employed.
- Only 23% were involved in at least one on-site activity of any kind before MTSFS implementation, as compared to 57% currently.
On-site educational, arts, health and wellness, recreational and intergenerational programs are overseen by teams of professionals with practical, hands-on experience and empathy with seniors and their needs, augmented by qualified experts in various fields. While many properties offer activities typically led by one activity director, MTSFS provides college-level instruction by professional teachers.
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