This week the Press introduces a new column, “Older & Wiser,” where we plan to explain and explore some of the issues confronting today’s seniors. The number of elders in the United States is growing at a significant rate, a growth surge that includes Harvard, where elders currently make up 26 percent of the town population.
There are many local and state benefits and services available to seniors living in Harvard, and this column will help them and their families navigate the maze to find the help they need.
In the Fellowship Building of the Unitarian Church, the large room is filled with early morning sunlight. A score of elder students follow their instructor as he leads them through a series of movements that are the heart of tai chi, an ancient martial arts form. The class meets twice a week to study a discipline that maintains health, improves balance, and adds to longevity. The students move deliberately and gracefully through the forms, and a sense of peace quietly fills the room.
This class is but one of the activities sponsored by the Harvard Council on Aging. The COA’s mission is to provide services that meet the needs of Harvard seniors and their families. Up the hill from the Fellowship Building is Hildreth House, the operations center of the COA. The historic building has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is enhanced by the energy of its director, Debbie Thompson.
The COA’s reach
Operating with modest funds and a commitment to serve Harvard’s seniors at home or at Hildreth House, much of the COA’s work is geared to helping seniors live independent and healthy lives. The COA employs two outreach coordinators, Maria Holland and Joan Goddard, who are available to do home visits to assess service needs and connect with family members as needed. It can be difficult for some seniors to drive, especially in the winter months. Rides in the MART van are scheduled through the administrative assistant, Cathy Walker, to a range of appointments and activities that are vital to keeping elders healthy and socially engaged.
Trips and recreational activities, talks, and projects with young people also keep seniors connected to the community. The COA has worked together with a wide range of groups, including the Woman’s Club, the Lions Club, the Garden Club, Farm to Table, Boy and Girl Scouts, and many others to organize meals and other events. This interaction enriches the community as a whole. Program coordinator Pete Dumont schedules regular trips to local places of interest, such as Tower Hill Botanic Garden and various local restaurants, as well as farther afield to Boston, Gloucester, or New Hampshire.
Harvard seniors have a wide range of needs, both financial and social. Sadly, some of Harvard’s seniors are financially insecure. The two largest costs for many are housing and health care. Help with these expenses is available through locally and state-funded programs such as SNAP food benefits and senior tax programs, and the COA is experienced in helping elders access these resources.
A phone call away
The serving of a hot lunch at Hildreth House can help seniors maintain their nutritional requirements while socializing with their peers. Lunch is provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays and offers an opportunity for seniors to socialize while ensuring good nutrition. Special holiday dinners have been well attended. For those who cannot easily travel, a dedicated group of volunteers delivers “meals on wheels.”
The COA is just a phone call away at 978-456-4120. It also maintains a presence on the town website at www.harvard.ma.us. As we mark the beginning of a new year, let’s celebrate our seniors and acknowledge their contributions to our civic and family life.
Deb Thomson is an elder law attorney and co-chairwoman of the Harvard Council on Aging.
