Elders
wish to be active, involved and contributing members of
our communities.
Respondents recognize the many existing programs that serve
elders, especially with housing costs. However, despite
these programs, many Portlanders are still concerned that
seniors cannot afford housing and will have to move from
their homes. Many people suggested offering elders assistance
or exemption from paying property taxes. People also recommended
that the Portland Development Commission and housing agencies
plan ahead for the expected trend of an older population
by developing enough affordable, accessible housing to accomodate
them. Respondents also want to see more independent living
options for seniors that allow people to remain integrated
into neighborhoods. There were also requests for free medical
and dental benefits, the development of more senior centers,
and more dedication to the public safety needs of seniors,
particularly those who live in low-income neighborhoods.
Lastly, elders would like for their years of experience
and wisdom to be tapped. They want to be looked to for advice
and knowledge in the community and in decision-making.
- Elders
should not have to experience homelessness.
- Services
to older community members need to be improved and expanded.
- The City should implement policies
to support Portland’s aging population.
- Elders should be looked to
for leadership and play an important community role.
- Elders
should not have to experience homelessness.
- Some respondents expressed appreciation for the
housing services that currently serve elders.
- There is great concern that many elders are increasingly
unable to afford housing, and that they will continue
to be forced out of their homes, with few alternative
options.
- People also express their outrage over witnessing
elders on the streets experiencing homelessness.
- Many feel this is unacceptable, and that something
should be done to find proper housing and care for
elders.
| “I
would like to see less homeless elders on the
streets.” |
| "[In
2030] …I’d hope to find a solid support network,
instead of being pushed out for the new. Already,
my neighborhood is becoming gentrified and more
and more older citizens are unable to stay. A
solid mix of all ages and income levels make a
city more alive.” |
- Services
to older community members need to be improved and
expanded.
- Service agencies need to respond more quickly
to service requests from elders.
- There should be more programs for elders.
| “Work
toward affordable health care programs for the
elderly.” |
- The
City should implement policies to support Portland’s
aging population.
- Portland Development Commission should increase
funding to provide housing for the aging population.
- The City should make property tax relief available
to elders at risk of losing their homes.
- Provide redevelopment opportunities that create
a community environment for people of all ages to
coexist.
- The city should be safer for elders.
- Elders should be able to access free medical and
dental benefits.
| The
City needs to plan and provide resources for the
bulge-in-the-snake Baby Boom demographic that
will retire in the next 20 years by providing
more housing, transportation, and recreational/cultural
opportunities that will meet that generation’s
needs and will keep them as an active community
asset.” |
| “[In
2030 I imagine]…A safer place for our kids and
elders. Somewhere where we can go outside and
feel safe.” |
| “If
there were in depth investigating then there would
be less elder abuse. The senior law project to
help victims over 60 sounds good but in reality
they are too quick to dismiss our concerns, making
the project a sham. If agencies perform the functions
they should then everyone would be better off
and elders would not die believing that the system
has failed them." |
- Elders
should be looked to for leadership and play an important
community role.
- Some people envision more opportunities for elders
to mentor, support and build relationships with
young people in the community.
- There is potential for forming reciprocal bonds
between elders and children.
- People want to see venues for elders to have dialogues.
| “Elders
should be incorporated, respected and valued in
community life.” |
| “Elders
are able to educate our children with their experience
children are able to educate elders with their
new innovative ideas.” |
| "[In
2030] residents work together in tight knit community
based groups to share responsibility for eldercare,
childcare and community member needs. Neighborhood
groups work closely with local and state government
to move towards meeting needs of the entire community.
Education and creative activities for youth and
elders are integrated and lifelong learning.” |
- There should be a council for elders
that can help guide decision-making to ensure that
policies meet the needs of elders.
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