Blog archive
April 2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
By Edward A. RinderlePosted: 03/25/2024
Last fall, the leadership of Pasadena Village conducted an anonymous survey of its members. The Village uses this survey to collect feedback so that its activities represent the Villagers’ needs. Executive Director Katie Brandon elaborates: “The purpose of the survey is to gather demographic information, to learn more about the needs and interests of our members, and to receive feedback on their experiences as Villagers. Answers to the survey's questions were compiled and used in the aggregate to inform our membership recruitment process, plan for the future and report to the funding organizations.”
Of the 173 Village members as of December 2023, slightly over 50% responded to all or part of the survey, and 45% expressed concern about continuing to live independently. Many of these concerns had to do with mental and/or physical health. For example, several members flagged failing eyesight or losing their ability to drive or to maintain their home. Some worried about having someone to call on for help: “I live alone and sometimes worry that if something were to happen to me, there is no one to notice my absence on a daily basis; thus I don't know how or when I would be discovered.”
Other Villagers expressed their concern over acting as caregivers: “I am a caregiver spouse. My husband continues to need more and more support to deal with his health problems. The impact on me is great – chronic exhaustion. We are actively working on assessing options for future plans.”
The survey went on to solicit opinions about educational opportunities. Responses included dealing with arthritis, dementia, loneliness and aging in place as top priorities.
Participants also addressed the value of the Village. Frequent themes among the responses were connections, community and the diversity of activities. For example, “I value the opportunity to meet new people and make genuine connections with them. I value learning from other members. I value having purpose and meaning in my life.” Another Villager responded, “I value the assortment of educational and social activities offered by the Village. I love the way people go about volunteering with a joyful heart.” Still another response: “I moved here at 70 and except for my family, I knew no one and was very isolated and lonely. Discovering the Village has changed all that!”
A repeating theme of the various responses can be summed up very simply: The Village provides myriad physical, educational, personal and philosophical opportunities for building relationships that are life-changing. The many opportunities stem largely from the member-driven nature of the Village. As individuals put forth ideas, other members can take up the baton, and new opportunities can arise. The Village's emphasis on diversity and inclusion also plays a vital role by providing different viewpoints into the ever-expanding array of offerings.