Vintage

Mountainland Symposium on Aging

At a recent symposium, designed for local leaders to discuss issues relating to our growing senior population, Earl William, Eldred Center Director, in a study completed for the symposium, gave several interesting and important insights into the changing trends of our senior citizens. He suggested that these changing trends need to be reflected in the types of programs that are offered at our senior center.

He stated that: "Mandatory retirement is almost a thing of the past. Many people regard retirement age as merely another midlife event. A recent AAPR survey found that 84% of baby boomers surveyed planned to work at least part-time during retirement, many for economic reasons.  However, 69% said that they want to work into their retirement years." He further indicated that in a 2002 survey of Eldred Center members, a question was asked; "What prevents you from going to the Eldred Center more often?" The most frequent answer, by 2.5 times more than any other answer was: "Too busy, working or have other activities." Seventy-nine percent of those responding were age 70 or older.

As a result of his study, Mr. Williams and his staff have adopted several new goals and objectives for Provo's Eldred Senior Center. The Provo Foundation, through its stated mission of promoting the vitality and continued involvement of our senior citizens, will be partnering with the Eldred Center staff to help achieve these goals.

New Defibrillator

As part of the Eldred Senior Center's on going effort to provide up-to-date health and safety equipment for both patrons and guests, the Center has partnered with the Provo Foundation and the Provo Fire Department in providing an automatic defibrillator for use in case of an emergency. Fire Chief, Coy Porter, indicated to the Foundation Board of Directors that early defibrillation is much more effective than CPR. This will give the senior citizens that visit the Center an added measure of security.