Healthy and Well
T
Aging in America
he Appalachian Aging Resource Network was founded by Ronnie Ogletree to assist the aging population in the northeast Georgia region. Ronnie is a retired Fire Officer/ EMT with 33 years of experience. After retirement he was contacted by a company that wanted to get involved in the mobility arena and at that point he was in contact with the Athens Senior Resource Network and became President for that organization as well. “After moving to Rabun County, I saw the need to offer information and resources to this demographic. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day there is a need for our aging population to receive all of the available information that will assist them with resources that our membership offers,” Ronnie said. If you own a business that works with or has an affiliation with seniors you should consider joining the Appalachian Aging Resource Network. Their sole mission of AARN is to put your information in the hands of our aging community. We produce a brochure that acts as a resource guide that has our members contact information on it. They are distributed throughout the areas that we serve. Our coverage area includes the counties of: Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, White, Towns and Union in Georgia and Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina. Three of the counties listed above are in the top ten in the state with the largest populations of persons 65 and older. The two counties we serve in North Carolina are also in the top 10. Some call this the “Silver Tsunami.” There are several areas of concern for the aging population. 1. Affordable and adequate housing. Some in this aging category would like to “age in place”. This means that some home modifications need to be addressed to make their residences safe for them to live there with no falls and easy access into and out of their residence. There are many cost effective ways whether it is a stairlift, tub cutout, grab bars, or ramps. 2. Financial resources. Having a financial advisor that understands the needs of the aging person. Most people are living longer and outliving their financial resources. 3. Transportation is an issue within much of this region. Getting to their doctor appointments, getting groceries and medications are concerns for this group. 4. Elder abuse that is not reported. Children and grandchildren taking advantage of their relative’s physical, financial, and emotional well being.
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5. Dementia and Alzheimer’s is a growing concern for this group. There are several groups that address this issue. Training is very important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease. For the past decade, Ronnie has wanted to put the Virtual Dementia tour on the road. Take the training into the workplaces. All to often when caregivers get off work they have other obligations to take care of at home. Due to the cost of this program it has not been possible… yet. Florida has what is called the “Brain Bus” that they operate. Over 150,000 people over the age of 65 in Georgia are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers are the ones that are responsible for caring for their loved ones with this horrible disease. It is difficult to understand what the dementia patient is dealing with and they are unable to tell you. The Virtual Dementia tour and the Brain Bus allow family members and caregivers an inside look at the difficulties the patient is facing. This knowledge lends itself to more understanding, patience and actually provides valuable information that leads to better care. Each person has their own perspective on how they would like to age in America. Working together to provide these individuals with resources and information is very valuable. Don’t wait until you get in a crisis situation to make these important decisions. PLAN AHEAD! We make plans to get groceries and go on vacations, so take some time to plan your life. It will make it so much easier on you and those who love you. Remember, knowledge is power. You may access the Appalachian Aging Resource Network’s brochure on our website www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com or by visiting www.appalachianresource.com. For more information call 706-202-1002
