Portland State Magazine Winter 2008

A PSU professor and student highlight Portland in a worldwide guide on older adult needs. Neal says chat because of the growing legion of baby boomers, che Portland– Vancouver metropolitan area will see a doubling of its 65-and-older population over the next 30 years, making chis one of the fastest-growing population segments. The same thing is happening in the rest of the world. l11e WHO study reporrs chat by 2050, the number of people 60 and older will surpass the number of chose 14 and younger for the first time on record. PO RT LAND IS WELL SITUATED to handle chis demographic shift in key areas chat me WHO guide values: easy transportation, friendly service people, meaning– ful volunteer opportunities, housing close co shopping, and accessible outdoor and recreation areas wim mose always important benches and bathrooms. "People like all me parks, rhe green spaces, and the environment here," says Neal. "They also like organizations such as Elders in Action, where older adults are con– sulted with respect to decisions and issues mat matter in their daily lives." Elders in Action was one of several service organizations chat provided volunteers, older adults, informal caregivers, and ochers co serve on focus groups for Neal's study. Participants were asked co evaluate their everyday experiences in such areas as transportation, outdoor spaces, housing affordability, employment, and civic engagement opportunities. Respect and social inclusion was also evaluated, and Portland scored high with many citizens and business people, includingTriMet drivers, showing respect and sensitivity to me needs of"Honored C irizens"-a TriMer term. Educational opportunities such as PSU's free classes and discounted classes at Porcland Commu– nity College elevated Porcland's social inclusion rating. For Raissa Moore, 71, che opportunity to give back to me city was her cop prior– ity, and as a focus group participant, she found mac ochers shared her view. "TO BE A WORTHY CITIZEN and maintain my dignity, I wane to give back to Porcland, the city chat has given me so much," says Moore. She volunteers at Multnomah County Library, Oregon Humane Society, Portland Parks and Recreation, and at her synagogue. One of her most in– teresting volunteer jobs is certifying businesses as elder-friendly through Elders in Action. For exan1ple, Moore and her cohorts put Portland Nursery through a 10-page certification rest. The Southeast Portland business passed with flying colors. The city does have areas in need of improvement. The lack of affordable housing and employment for mose 65 and older was mentioned as a recurring barrier co age-friendliness. Seniors not only found age discrimination in the workforce coward themselves, but also coward their children, who are in their 40s and 50s. However, New Seasons Market scored high in hiring seniors. Portland is expected co serve as an example in ocher parts of tl1e world, as cities initiate age-friendly development and prac– tices. The World Health Organizations will follow up with more in-depth studies in yea.rs co come. ■ WI NTE R 2008 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZIN E 13