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.
|
|
