Many services cater to needs of older residents

May 27--It has been said the reward of a long life is that it becomes more and more challenging.

That may not be entirely true, but it is certain that the tests of life differ among adolescence, adulthood, middle age and retirement.

May is Older Americans Month, which is an annual presidential proclamation dating to 1963. Its intent is to honor those 65 and older, enhance their community involvement, encourage healthy living and spotlight issues facing the elderly.

Housing is a lifelong concern. There are retirees who live in their own homes, and others who need sustained care and stay with family or in nursing homes.

There are also senior citizens who take residence in "assisted living," provided at facilities like Go Ye Village.

"We're actually very different," said David Williams, chief operations officer for Go Ye Village. "We offer assisted living, but we also offer long-term care. We are a complete life-care retirement community."

Some Go Ye Village occupants reside independently at the facility, living much as they would in an apartment complex. Weekly activities are scheduled, and often catered to the independent, assisted living or long-term residents.

"Assisted living offers minimal care for folks who need some assistance with daily tasks," Williams said. "That may include meal preparation, laundry services, maintenance of living space, medication monitoring or personal grooming."

Like many expenses associated with aging, financial planning is important to maintain housing. It costs money to stay at Go Ye Village, though Williams said the facility takes pride in keeping its prices down.

"The average cost for assisted living is about $3,000 per month per person," he said. "Whether single or a couple at Go Ye, it's about $1,600 for assisted living or long-term care."

Older people may also find driving more difficult than when they were young lead-foots.

Periodically, an AARP Smart Driver course is offered. The next classes in Tahlequah are Sept. 12 and Nov. 14. Instructor is Virgil Johnson, a retired educator, administrator and U.S. Navy veteran.

The course includes explanations of rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and safe motor vehicle operation. Other skills taught include minimizing the danger of blind spots, proper following distance, turning and lane changing in heavy traffic, and proper use of safety belts, anti-lock brakes and air bags. There is also instruction for eliminating distractions -- cell phones, smoking, eating -- and the effects of medication on driving skills.

"The class is really about change," Johnson said. "It teaches older drivers to account and compensate for the changes in their bodies. There can be declining hearing, vision or reaction time. The roads and automobiles are also changing. The cars today have more gadgets than we ever envisioned. It may not be too much longer before we can sit there and watch everything go by."

Maintaining a social life can be problematic for the elderly. Clubs, community organizations and houses of worship can connect an older person or couple to a network of friends. There is also the Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center at 230 E. First St.

The TSCC hosts a dance each Friday at 7 p.m., featuring music by the Hole in the Wall Band with Carl Farinelli. The center also houses the Senior Nutrition Program, which feeds dozens every weekday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and organizes activities. There are card games and supplies for arts and crafts, and art shows are held. A ramp-equipped van is available for those who need help commuting to and from the center.

Though most people hope to retire, most don't quit work altogether. About 60 percent of retirees seek new employment.

The idea that the elderly can only greet people at Walmart is misplaced, because Walmart has expanded the responsibilities of its "greeters." Many older people freelance, consult or offer handyman skills in retirement. Other options include staying with the company part-time, taking a seasonal job, or working for a nonprofit.

Government agencies often offer part-time jobs that suit the schedules of senior citizens. Visit sites like www.usajobs.gov or www.ok.gov/opm/State_Jobs/index.html to check listings, which can be grouped by county. Part-time work is also frequently offered by cities and counties.

For information about Go Ye Village, call 918-456-4542. Johnson can be reached at 918-457-5055. Contact the TSCC about its programs at 918-456-0792.

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