Story by Chris Graham
It’s more than a name change. The new Senior Advocacy Commission has a new outlook on senior issues in Waynesboro.
“Advocacy was the word that kept coming up over and over again. We see ourselves advocating for people who are seniors right now, advocating for people who will be seniors in the future,” said Melissa Crocker, the chair of the newly named commission, which replaces the former Commission on the Elderly.
The name change signaled a different approach to seniors in Waynesboro. What the Senior Advocacy Commission will be up to this fall will put some weight behind the advocacy.
The kickoff to the Waynesboro Senior Forum series – set for Monday, Sept. 28, from 5-7 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 301 S. Wayne Ave. – is aimed to get locals talking about, well, everything.
The forum series will present monthly panel discussions on the issues. It is open to seniors, family caregivers, local community and elected leaders and others interested in being involved in the planning process involving senior needs in Waynesboro.
“We’re not just focusing in on one topic,” Crocker said. “We’re not just focusing in on transportation. We’re not just focusing in on housing. We’re really looking at the whole continuum of aging, all of the facets of being an older adult. Everything from health care to housing to transportation, the traditional things you’d think we’d look at. But then there’s a whole other facet to it that’s sort of quality-of-life-focused. The research is showing how that plays into someone’s overall well-being. So whether it’s just having friends, or it’s just volunteerism, or it’s having a spiritual connection, of course exercise, diet and lifestyle kind of things, we’re really trying to look at the big picture as far as aging goes.”
Waynesboro Senior Forum
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 28, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: First Baptist Church, 301 S. Wayne Ave.
INFO: [email protected]
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