Seniors know that sometimes the most effective help comes from a community of like-minded people, not from a distant agency with little connection to the people it serves. The Athens Community Council on Aging was founded in 1967 by seniors, for seniors. It remains true to its mission today, using peer support to help seniors and connect them to a vast array of local and regional resources. Here’s what you need to know about this beloved community institution.
Athens Senior Life 101: What You Need to Know About Aging in Athens
Athens has seen substantial population growth in recent years, expanding from a sleepy rural college town to a booming metropolis. Residents once had to drive to Atlanta to enjoy the offerings of city life, but today, they can enjoy their own unique flavor of restaurants, shops, and fine and performing arts. More than 10 percent of residents are over the age of 65. Nearby Atlanta, however, is one of the most rapidly graying cities in the nation. Atlanta seniors who want a break from this sprawling metropolis may head to Athens for retirement, and so it’s possible that the area will see a steady increase in its senior population in the next decade.
The Importance of Senior-Friendly Resources
As you age, your needs change. Your desire to live independently does not. Many seniors eventually encounter a mismatch between their physical capabilities and their hopes and dreams for retirement. Spending every day in the garden can be tough if you suffer with chronic pain, and finding new romance may prove challenging if you’re no longer able to drive to meet new people. This is where senior resources come in. These community assets fill in the gaps between where seniors are and where they’d like to be. In so doing, they can help seniors:
- Stay active for longer. An active life offers myriad health benefits, including a lower risk of dementia and better physical fitness.
- Remain in their homes. Seniors who live alone may feel isolated and lonely, but community resources can reduce their loneliness, helping them remain independent.
- Have better mental health. Seniors who can’t do the things they want to may feel depressed or anxious. A senior center that offers a better retirement may therefore also offer improved mental health. Mental health and physical health are linked so closely that better mental health may also mean better physical health and a longer life.
How the Athens Community Council on Aging Can Help You
The Athens Community Council on Aging endorses the notion that aging doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, it turns the page to a new and potentially exciting chapter of life. The ACCA offers a vast array of support services, including:
- Health and wellness services. The ACCA’s Center for Active Living encourages seniors to remain physically active regardless of their abilities. Seniors can also get free transportation, spend their days at a lively adult day program, and get help with Medicare and Medicaid.
- Meals. Seniors can participate in group meals, join Meals on Wheels, or even join the Lunch Buddy program, which pairs seniors with a daily meal partner.
- Caregiver support. There are many ways to be a caregiver, and ACCA aims to support caregivers of every variety. Join a caregiver support group or consult with a geriatric care manager. If you’re raising your grandkids, check out the many classes and support services ACCA offers.
Arbor Terrace of Athens caters to seniors from all walks of life, belief systems, and backgrounds. We believe that retirement can be a grand adventure. Let us show you how the right senior community can elevate you to greater independence, help you remain healthy for longer, serve up gourmet meals, and offer an incredible range of classes and entertainment. Give us a call to learn more!