Retirement News : Seniors : AARP aids independent living

AARP aids independent living

Date Added: 28-06-2005

Getting older doesn't have to mean giving up independence.

The local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons is helping senior citizens live more independently by sponsoring a health fair June 30 at First United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Lovers Lane and College Street.

The event, which is in celebration of Independent Living Day, kicks off at 9 a.m. and winds up at 3 p.m.

Hungry? That's OK, because lots of free food will be served up, said organizer Sandra Morse. There will also be door prizes to win and free hand and foot massages offered throughout the day.

Free blood pressure checks and glucose testing will be available.

Also Life Line Screenings will be performing non-evasive health screenings during the event. Several local businesses and individuals have donated to provide to those seniors over 60 who may not be able to afford these potentially lifesaving tests.

"We have raised $760 so far towards these tests," said Morse. "We are offering these to seniors on a first-call basis. If you cannot afford these tests but feel you need them, please call Life Line Screenings at 1-800-324-1851. Tell them you are applying for the sponsored screenings. These are, of course, very limited."

Any persons or businesses who would like to contribute to the fund and help even more seniors afford the tests, please contact Morse at 903-677-8506.

For those who have questions about political issues pertinent to senior citizens, Richard Sanders, regional director for U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, will conduct a question-and-answer session at 10 a.m.

The city of Athens is also doing its part by declaring June 30 as AARP Independent Living Day in Athens. Mayor Randy Daniel is urging residents, businesses, schools and religious and civic organizations to learn how simple home improvement projects can help family members, friends and neighbors remain independent as they age. 
 
"If each of us in Athens agrees to do one simple project to help an aging family member or neighbor, think of the impact we can have on their lives and our city," said Daniel. "I'd like to see churches get congregations involved in this effort with AARP and businesses get their employees aware of what they can do."

"AARP Independent Living Day gives local AARP volunteers like me an opportunity to raise public awareness about how easy it can be to help an aging parent or neighbor stay in their homes," said Morse. "We hope Athens and surrounding communities will follow the mayor's suggestion and learn about how easy and inexpensive it can be to make a home fit someone's changing vision or mobility needs."

A recent AARP housing survey showed 83 percent of all older Americans want to remain in their homes as they age.

"In Texas, 28 percent of people age 65 and older live alone, and 80 percent own their own homes," said Morse. "As people like your parents, grandparents and friends age, simple home improvements can help prevent accidents and injuries."

Additional information about AARP Independent Living is also available on the AARP web site at www.aarp.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over.

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