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My heart broke this morning when I read the article in the Boston Globe about State cuts to a critical elder service program that enables frail elders to age in place in their community and in their own homes. A 90+ year old man in Reading trying to care for his 91 year old wife with dementia, others only getting a couple of hours of help twice a week when they need help daily, some folks only getting assistance to shower once per week….and it goes on.
As we approach Town Meeting next week and the special election in May, I’m hopeful that town meeting members and the general public will think seriously about and understand the importance of the two major projects, Killam and The Reading Center for Active Living. Both projects in my mind represent expansions beyond what is absolutely necessary at this time. However, they both also represent what is absolutely needed as our Town prepares for the future. Children with more special needs, a rapidly growing population of residents over 60 (now approaching 30% of the Reading census).
The deficiencies of the Killam are well understood, and we need to support our children and teachers in providing an adequate, supportive environment. The deficiencies of the Pleasant Street Center are equally distressing, and the need for the community to support the growing age 60+ population in providing an adequate facility, I pray, will also be strongly supported. According to the Surgeon General, loneliness in the elderly population has become a public health crisis. We can’t afford to have long wait lists for activities & programs. It is a “lifeline” for so many!
A vibrant senior center will help Reading seniors maintain their health through activity, engagement, and socialization. It will help prevent them from becoming frail elders before their time, needing State supported services that are rapidly evaporating.
Hopefully, our town votes will prove “We are One Reading” and support BOTH projects to meet the needs and support the dignity of all our town residents, especially the most vulnerable, young and old.
Additional pickleball courts, on the other hand, would be a nice addition to the Town. The Reading Center for Active Living already provides three additional indoor pickleball courts in their planning. In this economic environment, when people are fearful of being priced out of town, we need to think wisely about the use of every single taxpayer dollar.
Joanne Wooldridge
Haverhill St
President, Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus
