Serving Our Seniors Magazine - July - Sept 2024

There is no argument that low-income older adults and disabled adults are in a pinch for subsidized rental housing. There is another problem brewing… Renters, who retired 20+ years ago – age 80 and older, today – paying $1,000+/mo for market rate rent. There are 4,027 residents age 80+ and another 3,213 ages 75-79 years old. Of those who rent, how many can afford market rate rent, as they grow older in Erie County? What will Erie County do when they can’t? Serving Our Seniors is holding a forum for Erie County residents, ages 60+ who are thinking to themselves, “I’m affording it now, but can I afford it as I continue to age?” To address the need for a public-private partnership for affordable housing for retirees, Serving Our Seniors is giving older adults a platform Aug. 15, 2024, 3pm – 5pm at the UAW Hall, 3114 Hayes Ave, Perkins Twp. Local leaders (mayors, planners, commissioners, council, trustees, candidates for office, and state and federal legislators and/or their staffers) have been invited to be in the audience, with you, at this forum. Serving Our Seniors and the Sandusky Register, will facilitate the dialogue between audience and a panel of professionals who understand the importance of affordable rental housing: Eric Wobser, CEO, Greater Sandusky Partnership; former City Manager, City of Sandusky; Joe Recchie, CEO, Praxia Partners, Developer of Affordable Housing and Solar Energy; Colleen Gilson, Director of Community Development, City of Sandusky; Matt Lasko, City Manager of Huron; former Development Officer for the City of Sandusky; Ralph Chamberlain, CEO of Erie County Metropolitan Housing Administration & Sandusky County Metropolitan Housing Administration and Pete Schade, Erie County Health Commissioner. Do you need peace of mind about your ability to afford rent as you grow older in Erie County? Reserve your seat. Call 419-624-1856 or Mail@ ServingOurSeniors.org. Leave your name, phone # and the name of this event. If it is cancelled, for any reason, you will be notified by phone. 29% of older Americans have Diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) and nearly 50% have prediabetes. Type 1 diabetes means the pancreas produces little to no insulin. The body can’t keep blood sugar at a healthy level. Type 2 diabetes means the body does not use the insulin effectively, to keep blood sugar at a healthy level. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2. Below is a simple explanation to a complex health problem. When there is too much glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream, over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar robs people of their independence. For example, some diabetics will lose feeling in their feet and hands, have difficulty walking / maintaining their balance; or heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease. Here’s the good news… There are ways to lower high blood sugar. Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer, will lead an easy-to-understand, interactive and enjoyable, learning experience, known as the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) . It is a six-week course covering eight modules. The interactive workshops are one- time per week. Each class is social, interactive and 2 hours in length. There is no cost to participate. If you live in Erie County, age 60+, are pre-diabetic, diabetic or you are the spouse/caregiver to someone who is… Sign up for the next DEEP course. Contact Tina at 419-624-1856 or Mail@ServingOurSeniors.org. Ask about participating in the first DEEP workshop series, which will begin in late July or early August 2024. Public-Private Partnership to Address the Affordable Housing Shortage for Retirees Diabetes Empowerment Education Program: Makes Learning FUN Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer 13