Patti Hamilton: Will you still feed me when I’m 64? (Opinion)

By Patti Hamilton June 22, 2024

Aging has been on my mind lately following the 100 year birthday celebration our family held for Aunt Jo, my late dad’s younger sibling by one year. Our dad died of advanced Alzheimer’s shortly before his 91st birthday, but, in contrast, his sister Jo is mentally healthy. They were and are both physically healthy, which is what allowed my dad to live an unusually long time with Alzheimer’s. Every time I forget where I put something or what I walked downstairs for, I always think, “Will I get like dad?”

Aunt Jo flew from Florida so she could turn 100 in Fayetteville, where she grew up. When she was interviewed by the local television station, she was asked what her secret was for living to 100. She responded that she never, ever smoked and she took care of herself

When Paul McCartney wrote “When I’m 64,” he was about 15 years old. Both Paul and I are now looking at 64 in the rearview mirror and we are “seniors.” Paul just turned 82 and is planning a tour in South America. There can be no stereotype when it comes to aging because people age so differently, except that, at some point in our older lives, whether it’s when we are 60 or 90, we may need some assistance.

My point in tackling the subject of aging is to highlight the Kanawha Valley Senior Services (KVSS). Yes, they will feed you when you’re 64, and provide many other services. One day I was minding my own business and taking a beach walk when an old (or long-time) fellow lobbyist friend called to ask if I would be interested in serving on the KVSS Board of Directors. This happens when you retire; people think you need something to do when you’re perfectly happy walking on the beach!

I decided it was something I’d be interested in so I have been on the board for about three years now. I continue to be amazed at the variety of services provided. Throughout my career, I encouraged public policy based on demographics. Counties and states need to know who makes up their population so they can provide for the present and plan for the future.

Kanawha County, according to 2022 Census data, has a population of 180,745 with a median age of 43.6. The statewide median age is 42.6 so Kanawha runs a bit older. We have 22.4% of our population who are 65 and older. The largest age demographic is age 55-59, with 6,348 men and 6,820 women in that age bracket. That tells me that there will be continued increasing demand for senior services. The large baby boomer generation, born 1946-1964, will all be 65 by 2030.

Until I became a member of the KVSS Board of Directors, I had only a vague idea of what services they provided. Meals and nutrition are an important component, with 3,000 meals served in a week, but there are many other services. Just to name a few:
The Family Caregiver Day Program includes an adult day center for adults with Alzheimer’s or related dementias that benefits up to 30 individuals a day, not counting their caregivers at home who get a respite.

The Community Health Program helps seniors and others who qualify to remain in their homes and communities by providing assistance for bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and other services that benefit, on average, over 75 individuals daily.

Social Services include education and assistance for the wide and confusing variety of available benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, social security, SNAP food subsidy, and many others. Well-check telephone calls to the most at-risk population are made daily, Monday through Friday.

A fleet of 16 vehicles that provide Transportation is a major component of service by transporting residents over 60 to non-emergency medical appointments and grocery and pharmacy shopping. There are four transport drivers and 12 home-delivered meal drivers.

A one-year breakdown of meals provided would include 21,000 congregate meals (group setting), 92,500 home-delivered meals, 27,000 home-delivered frozen meals and 35,000 grab and go meals.

There are also fun activities that are provided for anyone who wants to drop in and take offerings that include Lunch and Learns, Zumba, Sit and Fit, art class, or Tai Chi. Overall, KVSS plays an important role in aging well.

KVSS can help you answer the question, “Can I handle the seasons of my life?” (“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac). Their services are there not only for the senior citizens but also for their families. Stop in at 1710 Pennsylvania Avenue or call 304-348-0707. You will be welcomed by great staff and volunteers.

Patti Hamilton is a member of the Kanawha Valley Senior Services board of directors.