Ways to Engage:

Individuals and Families

 

Community Connectedness

Older adults are connected to their communities and participate in community life.

• Volunteer for an organization whose mission is important to you.

• Ask a friend or family member to volunteer with you.

• Invite an older friend, relative or neighbor to join you in activities, outings and/or an on-going club – book, hobby, service, sports, etc.

• Share opportunities for seniors to join your group/club/team etc. and inform the Aging Together Leadership team about how your group engages older adults.                                                                                                 

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Transportation

Every older adult is able to access and afford transportation to resources.

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• Provide transportation to an older family member/friend/neighbor who needs help getting to shopping, appointments and other activities.

• Volunteer to drive for a volunteer transportation service for seniors.

• Advocate for Age-Friendly transportation solutions in your community.

• Apply to sit on a committee for the Sonoma County Transit Authority.

 

Varied Housing Options

Older adults have access to affordable, safe and healthy housing.

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• If you have a granny unit on your property or an extra bedroom and can afford to do so, rent to an older adult at a lower than market rental rate.

• Volunteer to support local home modification and improvement programs such as Rebuilding Together – Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, etc.

 

Healthy Living

Older adults have the resources and support to engage in healthy living including good nutrition and self-care, physical activity, positive mental health, chronic disease prevention and freedom from unhealthy addictions.

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• Take an older adult (friend, neighbor, relative) for a walk every day.

• Take up a sport at any age and continue with it throughout your life.

• Participate in the Sonoma Wine Country Games if you are 50 years and older.

• Encourage the older adults in your life to begin some form of exercise.

• Be a champion in the community dialogue about the potential of a longer healthspan.

• Create neighborhood gardens and/or share your bounty with older adult neighbors.

 

Lifelong Learning

Older adults have access to education and training and are adequately prepared for the challenges of the future.

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• Seek opportunities to continue to learn and grow throughout your lifespan by attending classes, learning a language or musical instrument, reading about new areas of interest, and engaging in mentally stimulating games and puzzles.

• Go back to school to complete a degree or certificate in a new area of professional or volunteer service development.

• Volunteer to teach a class at a local senior center.

• Write and share your expertise and experience with others - letters to family and friends, opinion essays to local papers, articles for club and organizational newsletters.

 

Employment and Financial Security

Older adults, and their families, have access to economic resources, services and support to live independently.

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• Initiate conversations with children and grandchildren as to the importance of contributing to a retirement account for their future.

• Advocate on behalf of increases to the Older American’s Act and increases in Social Security and Medicare benefits.

• If you suspect an older adult might be victim of financial abuse, report immediately and anonymously to Adult Protective Services at    800-667-0404.

• Consider volunteering as strategy to find employment in later years.

 

Health and Community-Based Social Services

Ensure that all older adults have access to the continuum of healthcare and community based services that they need to achieve optimal health and well-being.

 

• Begin a family dialogue about healthcare, utilization of that care and how to be more engaged as a partner in their well-being.

• Ensure that vulnerable family and friends have access to healthcare and community services by referring to Aging Together resources.

• Communicate with loved ones about your advanced healthcare wishes and complete an advanced healthcare directive. Encourage others to do the same.

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Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

Ensure that older adults can access and participate fully in activities, events and services at community parks, buildings and facilities.

 

• Report any safety concerns you notice to management including poor lighting, obstructions, cleanliness, noise and odors. 

• Use separate bike paths when available to help maintain safety of pedestrian walkways.

• When appropriate, politely ask if you can assist an older person who might need a hand with grocery bags, maneuvering across the roadway, etc.

• Offer available chairs and sitting areas to those who might need to use it most.

 

Communication and Information

Ensure that older adults are able to access to essential information and communication resources, allowing them to be informed about and participate in community services and activities.

 

• Share information about community events, activities and resources that will be of interest to your older adult friends, family and neighbors.

• Stay in touch with older adult relatives, friends and neighbors by telephone, email and in-person visits.

• Support family members and friends to be technologically connected with email, internet, cell phone, smart phone and/or tablet, based on their level of interest.

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