Letter to the Editor: Seniors Should be Priority

As we move forward in 2012, I hope and expect that a high priority of the Town of North Andover will be to continue providing services that will keep older adults in their homes and in the community for as long as they choose.

To do this we must maintain, at the the vital programs that enable older adults and the disabled to receive the support from the Senior Center that enhances their quality of life.

Transportation and isolation are the number one concerns of elders living in the North Andover community. The need for transportation increases as the population ages and elders no longer are able to drive. Health issues and chronic conditions become more prominent as elders find themselves unable to locate transportation to a medical appointment. Lack of transportation to the grocery store spirals into poor nutrition. Transportation not available to church events and the local Senior Center creates loneliness and isolation.

There are other situations that contribute to these issues including lack of family nearby and lack of community support as well as safety issues that impair mobility. Programs and services provided to the older adult at the North Andover Senior Center continue to enhance the lives of our older adults living independently in our community.

As our older adult population continues to grow the need for more support for all services and activities that the senior center provides becomes a number one priority.  Presently there are 5,239 older adults living in the North Andover community.