Introducing the Durham Aging Plan’s Community Advisory Council

I have long enjoyed assisting older adults, and caring for my grandmother for twenty years deepened my interest in aging with dignity. Since retiring in 2015, I have volunteered at the Durham Center for Senior Life, where I learned about the community’s needs: affordable housing, home repair programs for safe independent living, and opportunities for social activities that support healthy aging in place, for a more age friendly Durham.

I work with a program that provides routine medical care to bedbound and/or homebound adults in Durham. Initially, my interest was in gathering additional information to better support the seniors we serve. However, I soon realized that I am also a senior living in Durham, and if there is an opportunity to help make the journey easier for older adults in our community, I would like to be part of that effort.

I am a retired PA and also an aging queer white woman with no children or spouse. I have a professional and personal interest in ensuring elders can age in place, safely and with dignity. I am interested in models that allow elders to stay independent and connected to their communities in mutually beneficial and collaborative ways. I believe that together we can imagine healthier and more sustainable models for our aging population.

I am a senior citizen. I did not hear about any programs for Latino seniors, which are the ones I’m interested in. There are programs, but none of them are adapted to our culture. Besides, my people don’t have health insurance or legal documents. This is an opportunity to advocate for this cause and work with others to achieve it.

I am currently the First Vice-Chair of the Durham Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities. I serve on several boards,  including the Durham Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Durham Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Durham Lions Club. I am very concerned about older adults in Durham and their ability to have affordable housing, appropriate food, accessible healthcare, safe environments and opportunities to anchor their voices – whether in the community, Durham County, North Carolina and the United States. I believe that because older adults have given so much and should be respected. I studied at Campbell University and the University of Phoenix. Under the state of North Carolina Judiciary Court System, I also served as a court official – Guardian Ad Litem in Onslow County.

As Durham experiences a housing crisis that challenge is only multiplied for community members who are aging and facing less ability to transition careers, flatter incomes amidst higher prices of housing and food, and more. The added nuances for LGBTQ folks are not always fully understood so I also want to bring that perspective as well and plan and strategize how to best meet the needs of our aging population.

As a senior, it is important to me to stay engaged and have purpose. Joining the Aging Plan’s Advisory Council would afford me that opportunity along with using my skill set as a transformational leader. Moreover, I am interested in learning and understanding Durham’s policies and programs for aging adults and providing a positive contribution to the mission.

I have lived in Durham in the same home for 30 years. I have seen many changes in my neighborhood. I am not afraid to speak out. I have/am active in Durham. I read and listen to what is occurring in Durham and around the world. I care what happens to older people, children and animals. And, not necessarily in that order. I am in my 70’s. I would love to be involved as I believe I have something to offer to this group….a voice.

Anything dealing with seniors or aging interest me. Being 64 and retired I always want to help in decision making about goods and services that affect folk like me. I am also connected to lots of folk that are aging through different organizations. Having been a caregiver for an older brother adds something else folk my age should think about.

Being I was a Girl Scout leader, I have enjoyed being a voice for people who do not have a voice. I am on the Advisory Board for the Durham Center for Senior Life.

As an older adult, I believe that we all have the responsibility to advocate for  food, healthcare, as well as affordable and safe housing so that older adults can age well where they are.