The new age (and faces) of aging

First, I would like to thank my dear friend, Paul Graves, for believing in me and supporting Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc.'s takeover of the Geezer Forum. His love for the Sandpoint area community is unsurpassed, and he and his wife, Sue, will be deeply missed. 

In reality, neighbors and friends, we are in a “new age” of aging. Those of us in the 55-and-over range are experiencing a revolution, and being a senior citizen looks quite different from previous generations. 

When I took a position at SASi, I experienced a new vision of myself as being eligible for services at a location I had not previously seen as one I would frequent. My image was of very old people who were in the last phases of their lives and in need of assistance in most areas, including food insecurity and mobility issues. While that is part of SASi’s mission, it is not the full picture. 

During this past year with SASi, I discovered that not only does SASi provide nutritious food and fellowship, but it is also a place that supports the arts, education, and physical education. People who frequent the center do so for many different reasons. But the most important one, which speaks to my heart, is the reality that we all need connection. 

Humans are hard-wired to seek community and connection; that is the message you will continue to hear from me. 

To showcase who we are as seniors in this new age of aging, we have invited a fascinating woman who is training and has qualified for the Boston Marathon. While many others are doing so, very few are over 80 years old. In her understated yet calm and confident presence, we invite seniors and those curious about aging to come and hear Carol Wright and her story of how running changed her life. Please join us at Marigold Bistro and Café, at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. 

We will continue to showcase seniors in the community in our forums. To all who are reinventing themselves during this season of life, we welcome you with open arms and hope you will drop by SASi for lunch one day, 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday. 

SASi runs primarily on donations and support for the community. So please remember us in your season of giving and stay tuned for more events. We are in need of volunteers, especially in our neighboring community of Priest River. 

For more information, contact us at 208-263-6860 or check us out at sandpointareaseniors.org. 

Let’s chat about how to support aging in our community!

Lisa Bond is the executive director of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. She can be reached at 208-263-6860.