Giving the gift of time – and nutrition – to seniors

Senior citizens born between 1925 and 1960 have lived through turbulent times, seen incredible advances in technology, watched men land on the moon, and worked hard most of their lives.

Those approaching 100 were children of the Depression. As they became young men, many fought in World War II and the Korean War, watching friends die on the battlefield and returning home scarred by the ravages of combat. Their wives contributed to the war effort by working in factories and buying groceries with ration stamps.

Their children are Baby Boomers, born during the Cold War, hiding under desks in case of nuclear war and losing their innocence forever with the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Those drafted had to fight in Vietnam, while some chose to protest at home.

Then eventually faced reality, got jobs, raised families and watched technology explode from land lines with party lines to mobile phones that are powerful computers. Through it all they paid taxes, assured there would have enough money from Social Security to retire comfortably.

Not always true – especially with the high cost of living.

“Many seniors are coping with the loss of a spouse, which can be both emotionally and financial challenging,” said Arlene Kreider, executive director of Senior Citizens United Community Services Inc. (SCUCS) of Camden County in Audubon. “They are often combating feelings of loneliness mixed with the realization that they now have to adjust to a single income.

“The rising costs of food, medications and out-of-pocket medical care only enhance the problem,” she added. The SCUCS mission is “to enhance the quality of life and encourage independence of senior citizens.”

Its programs for seniors include Respite Care (offering relief to caregivers), a short term Personal Care Program (assistance with bathing, dressing, meal prep, laundry, etc.), Housing Counseling, Benefits Counseling, SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Counseling, a Food Pantry, a Lending Closet (medical supplies such as walkers, rollators, wheelchairs etc), Sen Han Transportation and the Trips/Recreational Tours and Travel program whereby seniors take day trips and week-long vacations for a reasonable price.

“Our trips offer an opportunity for seniors to explore new places in a relaxed manner, knowing that all the arrangements have already been taken care of,” Kreider explained. “Friends and couples can travel together and it offers an opportunity for new friendships to be formed.”

Some residents of the Gloucester Towne senior complex in Gloucester City struggle to buy more non-processed foods and fresh fruit and vegetables, especially if they have to walk to the grocery store. But they got a break on June 18, when the St. John of God mobile food pantry arrived at the complex.

Staff members Karen Sapio, Linda Bradford, Michael Myers, Douglas Agren, Jen Hope and Jeff Sanders greeted the seniors with plenty of fresh produce.

“A lot of people can’t get out and purchase their food,” noted Sapio, the pastoral care coordinator, adding that the donations were provided by Murphy’s Farm Market in Swedesboro, Grasso Girls in Mullica Hill and Pikser’s Bakery in Westville. They included potatoes, squash, corn on the cob and fresh rolls.

“We also give out personal-care items,” she added, “like toothpaste, shampoo and adult diapers.”

“It’s hard for some of the seniors to get to the store,” added Hope, an accountant with St. John of God whose mother, Nancy, lives in Gloucester Towne. “This is an opportunity for them to get fresh, healthy produce.”

There are many programs in Camden County that assist senior citizens. For information about the mobile pantry, go to www.sjofcs.org. For information about SCUCS programs go to www.scucs.org.

For information about services provided by the county board of commissioners, visit www.camdencounty.com and click on senior-disabled services.