Jan Blodgett of Davidson offers the latest in a series of articles about issues facing seniors as they try to “age in place.” The series is presented in cooperation with the Davidson Committee on Aging.

By JAN BLODGETT

As a college town, Davidson’s population has always tended to have a younger slant. The census of 1850 showed 88 children under the age of eighteen
, 73 adults between the ages of 18 and 49
 and only 18 adults over age 50. Now, 160 years later, the 2010 census shows a similar breakdown, with 2,580 under the age of 17, 6,145 between 18 and 54, and 2,114 over the age of 55 (with only 941 over the age of 65).

Despite the relatively low numbers, senior citizens have been an important and integral part of the town. Retirement rarely meant ending their social and civic work. Read the full story

The Davidson Committee on Aging will hold a half-day retreat on Thursday, Sept. 15, to discuss its goals for improving the lives of seniors in Davidson. The meeting runs 9 a.m. to noon at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson.

Former town board member Bill Johnson will be facilitator for the meeting. Mary Ann Hammond has agreed to take over as chair of the committee.

Neighbors caring for neighbors to let seniors age in place

By CAROLYN COOK

Some retirement communities are planned, others just happen. The latter are sometimes referred to by urban planners as NORCs – “naturally occurring retirement communities.” They’ve emerged as an attractive way for seniors to age successfully in their homes by tapping into community support services and volunteer programs.

The AARP estimates that there are thousands of these naturally occurring retirement communities across the United States, and that approximately 27 percent of our senior citizens live in them. So what are NORCs? Read the full story

A universal design kitchen has most cabinets below the counter, grab bars, and good overhead lighting.

By CAROLYN COOK
Davidson Committee on Aging

Most of us live in “Peter Pan” homes thinking we will never grow old. The sweeping stairs to the front door, the second floor master suite, the basement laundry room, the Jacuzzi, the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets—all the things we love most about our homes are slowly becoming obstacles in our daily lives.

Studies show that most of us choose to age independently in our homes as long as health allows. We want to remain vibrant in our communities and live in close proximity to family and friends. To age in place successfully, we must look carefully at our homes. Read the full story

Davidson firefighters Martin Whitson (left) and David Hamby talk to residents Sally and Bill DuBose about the Vial of Life program. (Davidson Fire Department photo)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Imagine you fall, or are slowed by a medical incident at home, and have to call for help. Emergency workers arrive and need information quickly. You may not be able to provide it, or may even be unconscious. Davidson public safety officials and the Davidson Committee on Aging are introducing a local Vial of Life program to help.

Vial of Life encourages seniors, the homebound or anyone with medical issues to put important information about their medical history and medications in or on the refrigerator. That’s a place where emergency responders will know to look for life-saving information. Read the full story

New activities for seniors in Davidson include senior theater classes, thanks to Davidson Community Players. Click image to read more in Brenda Barger's Around Davidson column.

NOTE: This is a first in a planned monthly series of articles prepared by Davidson Committee on Aging on topics of interest to seniors.

When choosing a community in which to retire, Davidson often rises to the top of seniors’ lists. It has physical attributes that retirees look for: walkable neighborhoods that allow mobility beyond the automobile, a top-rated college and its cultural offerings, clean air and water, open space, and beauty. Just as important, but more difficult to quantify, are attributes such as an emphasis on healthy living and a sense of community. Studies have shown people are healthier and happier, and thus live longer, when they feel connected to their community. Read the full story