One of the more striking centerpieces of tech discussions today is the importance of serving elderly and disabled populations.
Ann Arbor SPARK President Paul Krutko often cites research finding that two-thirds of best talent doesn’t need or want to live in tech hubs. Technology itself has made it possible for them to largely work remotely in proximity to them — making choices about where they will live based on community. [1,2]
Infrastructure support for their aging relatives has increasingly become a decision criteria. Dr Toni Antonucci of the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research is an internationally recognized expert in this field of study. [3]
“We don’t want to warehouse our parents and grandparents,” she told Saline Journal in April. “We want to actively relate with them as long as we can. We want their rich life experiences to be a day-to-day part of our own day-to-day experiences.” [4]
Ironically, some of the most vital parts of addressing this need are quite basic. And while Saline Michigan is blessed by varied and deep resources, such offerings can only be as good as the awareness that they exist and direction on how to access them. No one gets this more than Saline Mayor Brian Marl. And it is evident in his development of his well-attended “Senior Conference,” now in its seventh year and held today at the Saline Area Senior Center. [5,6,7]
The free event was open to every senior, regardless of residency.
The 4½-hour program began at 8:30am with a continental breakfast provided courtesy of Story Point. As Business Development Specialist Cathy Mitchell noted, “The Friendly Fork” food truck from Story Point provided on-site food service during the recent Volvik LPGA Championship at Travis Pointe. Participants then divided into one of three pre-assigned groups for breakout activities specifically chosen to deepen connections with local opportunities for this demographic. [8,9,10,11]
Cooking demonstration and sampling
Shawna Sloan of Matty J’s Bakery and Cafe in Eastgate showed audiences how to make single-serve strawberry shortcake deserts. Predictably, this included a concurrent explanation of each step in the process, punctuated with insider tips on inportant nuances such as the how and why of flour selection. She also fielded any and all questions as she worked, from the involvement of her son at the cash register to the history of her own mother’s mixer — all without missing a beat en route to final tasting. [12]
Memory enhancement presentation
Wherever this came in an individual’s sequence, in many ways it was a stop that served as the framework for all. Andrea Lewis opened reassuringly with perspective on things that everyone forgets and providing examples of what is “normal” at all ages. What are the signs then of minor cognitive impairment? dementia? She then provided go-to advice from experts Dr Gary Small at the University of California Los Angeles and Dr Henry Paulson at the University of Michigan on areas of focus. [13,14]
Cardio conditioning and strength training
Two professionals were brought in to safely provide attendees with a sampling of activities designed to promote both heart health and improved musculature. Jerry Powell put a new spin and energy on exercise balls with “cardio drumming” (see top-middle photograph above). On a separate track, personal trainer Shane Foster taught both movement and freeweight techniques that could be adapated to individual abilities and restrictions. Both underscored the importance of such activies in terms of ongoing life quality, mobility, and cognitive acuity. [15,16]
Government panel
Following the breakout sessions, the group once again came together to engage with officials who work on their behalf through a variety of government levels. This arrangement included State Representative Donna Lasinski, Saline Police Chief Jerrod Hart, Washtenaw Sheriff Sergeant Eugene Rush, Sheryl Siddall of the Washtenaw County Road Commission, and Saline Parks and Recreation Director Carla Scruggs. [17,18,19,20,21]
While all of the presentations were important — and handouts provided will surely be filed for future reference — it was clear that program participants had benefited from the breakout sessions when it came to applied cognition. Questions about area roads were specific and challenging, particularly to Representative Lasinski. Nicely, her responses were equally straightforward and expansive.
In summary, the annual Saline Mayor’s Senior Conference is a particularly visionary program because it recognizes the importance of supporting and connecting with an established demographic in our community that is increasingly seen as the key to attracting the best future talent to come here.
References
- “It’s Important to Understand What Being a “Smart City” Means to Saline, Part 2” Dell Deaton (April 16, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Ann Arbor SPARK (home page).
- University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (home page).
- “Older people are an asset, not a drain” David Brindle (March 2, 2011) The Guardian.
- Brian Marl (Facebook Page).
- “Successful Aging: Seniors’ positive effects on the economy” Helen Dennis (August 11, 2014) Los Angeles Daily News.
- Saline Area Senior Center (home page).
- Story Point (home page).
- “The Friendly Fork” (Story Point).
- Travis Pointe Country Club (home page).
- Volvik Championship (home page).
- Matty J’s Bakery and Cafe (home page).
- “Gary W Small MD” Brain Research Institute.
- “Henry Paulson MD PhD” University of Michigan Medicine: Neurology.
- Lifestyle Fitness Coach (home page).
- Train with Shane Personal Fitness (home page).
- “State Representative Donna Lasinski” (Facebook Page).
- “Police Department” City of Saline.
- Sheriff’s Office: Washtenaw County Michigan (home page).
- Washtenaw County Road Commission (home page).
- “Saline’s Parks” City of Saline.
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