Older people are the fastest growing population in Snohomish County, and a agency is seeking volunteers to address the issues they will face
The number of aging baby boomers, between the ages of 55 and 64, and older seniors, those 85 and older, is growing rapidly.
Over the next 15 to 25 years, these trends are only expected to continue, with people 60 to 74 projected to be the fastest growing demographic group, said Janelle Sgrignoli, who directs the county’s Human Services Department.
These numbers help underscore the importance of the work done by the Snohomish County Council on Aging, she said.
The group, which focuses on the needs of older adults, is now seeking nine volunteers to serve for three-year terms beginning in January.
The group “makes sure government, business and communities are all aware of the needs and issues relating to that population,” Sgrignoli said.
The council also oversees issues of people with disabilities.
Members of the council “really do play a key role,” said Jerry Fireman, who supervises Snohomish County’s Long Term Care and Aging program. “They help us make decisions about federal and state funds and the services they should be applied to.”
Group members generally attend two meetings a month. So volunteers should be prepared to donate about four hours a month to these activities, Sgrignoli said.
Although the majority of the group is age 60 or older, anyone with an interest in the issues of older adults can join, she said.
Group members must be approved by the Snohomish County Council.
The members lobby government leaders on issues of aging and the disabled. They also monitor the programs and services targeted at these groups.
One of the issues they’re now investigating is the lack of mental health services for older adults.
The council brought together agencies which provide these services, seniors and experts in mental health to try to determine the current gaps in providing services and how they can be filled.
“As people get older, they have more mental health issues,” Sgrignoli. A big one people face is losing a spouse, she said. “That’s a huge hole to fill.”
The group also monitors obstacles to the basic needs of seniors, such as lack of transportation to get to medical appointment or getting their prescriptions filled, she said.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
How to volunteer
The Snohomish County Council on Aging is looking for volunteers. The group focuses on issues that affect seniors. For more information, call Jerry Fireman who supervises Snohomish County’s Long Term Care and Aging program, at 425-388-7241.
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