Dear Healthy Aging Readers,
As we move toward Thanksgiving and the holiday season, it feels natural to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that 2020 continues to send our way. For all of us, whether we are on- or off-island, we are living in unpredictable times, calling upon our reserves of resiliency, adaptability, and optimism.
Here at Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard, we continue to explore emerging evidence-based programs and best-practice thinking from national organizations focused on healthy aging such as the AARP, National Council on Aging (NCOA), and American Society on Aging (ASA), to name a few. We engage in conversations with other rural communities to hear what is working (and not) for them in these unsettled times. But of course, hearing from you – as to what your needs are, what you want from your island, and how you wish to contribute is PRIORITY number one as we plan for an unsettled future. So read on to learn more about the HAMV - sponsored Island-wide Older Adult Survey 2020 which is now underway and how you can contribute – YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
And wherever you might be this Thanksgiving – and however different this experience may be from your typical traditions - we wish you a day of reflection, joy and good health. We are thankful for our growing Older Adult community here on the island (1 in 3 residents are now over 65!) and the experience, expertise and energy you bring to our island, for those who make certain we have the services and infrastructure in place that we need to meet the needs of our Older Adults, and for all of you who care.
Best,
Cindy
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A request for full-time and seasonal residents, 60 years and older!
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This is your opportunity to participate in the 2020 Island-wide Older Adult Survey
Have you ever wondered how the services, programs and island infrastructure serving our Older Adults are developed?
Do you have an opinion about what’s working and what’s missing to meet your needs now and as you plan for the future?
Are there ways in which you’d like to contribute?
Has COVID impacted your short and longer term plans for where and how you live?
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Well, this is your chance to make your voice heard to our planners, service agencies and local governments.
Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard 2020 Island-wide Older Adults survey is underway with the endorsement of all six towns’ selectmen, and support from Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Martha’s Vineyard Commission and other service agencies.
We are asking for your participation, either by completing a paper survey or taking the survey online. If you haven’t received a survey in the mail, please contact Cindy Trish, Executive Director, HAMV, at ctrish@hamv.org or by phone, (508) 693-7900 ext. 455. Printed surveys are also available at most libraries on the island. You can also complete it online at https://sites.google.com/view/hamv-survey.
Findings from the survey will be shared broadly in early 2021 to all those interested in hearing of the results. You will have an opportunity to attend zoom sessions and participate in discussions about these findings.
As in past surveys, this information will help our island-wide planning and shape priorities and planning locally. This information will also be used widely to inform proposals and grant requests to bring funds to our island for Older Adult programs.
Data from the previous HAMV survey of 2015 has been used to shape services such as the Home Safety Modification Program for Older Adults, improve sidewalk safety, and inform the development of The Green House skilled nursing home, which is scheduled to open in 2022.
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Climate Change - On your mind?
The Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) and Healthy Aging Martha's Vineyard are hosting two one-hour Zoom sessions to share MVC's current thinking on climate adaption planning here on the Vineyard. We are interested in hearing your feedback to their plans and your perspective on what is important to you.
These sessions will be “zoom listening sessions” – and we are looking for a diverse group of 60+ older adults to join us. You don't need to have any expertise on the topic of climate change, but you will need to be willing to speak up.
This is your opportunity to make certain that our Older Adult voice is heard. The sessions are scheduled for
- Tuesday, December 1 at 5 pm
- Wednesday, December 2nd at 11 am
Please contact Cindy Trish at ctrish@hamv.org or (508) 693-7900 ext. 455 if you are interested in attending or learning more about this opportunity.
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Great work by Island Housing Trust
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A creative approach to creating affordable housing and downsizing options for a local Older Adult
Several months ago in our newsletter, we featured an interview with Phillippe Jordi of the Island Housing Trust, discussing the housing challenges we face on the island and some of the solutions they are creating. [interview here]
Below is a great example of the work they are doing to create opportunities that are fit-for-purpose at different life stages.
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Generous donation
The Home Safety Modification Pilot Program continues to progress, with modification work underway for our first round of participants. To learn more about this program, click here.
We were fortunate to receive a generous donation from the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Foundation (MVSBCF) to increase the number of homeowner participants in the pilot phase of this program.
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Chairwoman Paddy Moore weighs in on dental practice closure
Access to dental care on island has long been a challenge for all residents, not just Older Adults. CLICK HERE to hear Paddy’s perspective.
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CALLING ALL LIFELONG LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS!
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Hiring Instructors: ACE MV is seeking individuals to teach new and interesting classes for Vineyard residents. All classes this winter and spring will be held online/via Zoom, and ACE provides the technology and guidance in using it.
Topics can include Business Skills; Career Skills; Financial Management; How to use Quickbooks/Excel/Microsoft/Google; Tips for Transitions (Health, Employment, Personal); The Basics of Medicare; Retirement Strategies; Automotive Skills; Maritime Sciences; Vineyard Ecology; Vineyard History; Writing Nonfiction; Writing Fiction; and many more.
ACE MV is also interested in unique classes that only you can offer. Please contact info@acemv.org with your name, contact information, and a brief class proposal.
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