The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To the Eagle:

Flash back to July 1965 and Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones were at the top of the charts singing I Can’t Get No Satisfaction. Our country was conflicted by the war in Viet Nam while President Lyndon Johnson was waging a War on Poverty back home. The Older Americans Act (OAA) and Medicare/Medicaid were established in response to concerns about the lack of community services for older persons. At that time, nearly a third of older Americans lived in poverty. The OAA supports a range of home and community-based services, such as meals on wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder abuse prevention and caregiver support.

May is Older Americans Month and historically it has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons and celebrate them. It also seems like a great time to evaluate the response to a recognized need for senior services that was voiced more than 50 years ago.

Wahkiakum County knows something about senior citizens. More than 30% of our population are over 65. By 2030 projections are that 42.3% of our population will be over 65. Thankfully, many are enjoying good health, living in comfort and getting around just fine. But not everybody. And life can change in an instant. Good health can give way to chronic debilitating illness. The home that worked for years no longer is affordable or accommodates your physical needs. Perhaps you’re not able to drive, but you still need/want to get around.

Our goal is to build a network of formal and informal services that insure our senior citizens most important needs will be met today and for decades to come. Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services, Wahkiakum County Aging Well Committee and the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW Washington’s Wahkiakum County Advisory Council members are asking you to join us in an important conversation on Thursday June 2. We will be sharing information on Transportation, Housing, Nutrition and Home Care/Facility Care and asking for your help in shaping these programs so that they truly meet the needs of our citizens.

We will be meeting from 10:00 a.m., to 11:30 a.m., in the River Street Meeting Room in Cathlamet. Please call Carole Glowacki at 795-8630 Ext 233 for more information. Let’s work together to keep Wahkiakum County a place where growing older is a life journey that promotes choice, independence and dignity. Your voice is important. Together, we can get satisfaction.

Suzanne Holmes

Wahkiakum County Mental Health Services