On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

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Personal approach pays dividends

Monday, January 30, 2012 7:58:38 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

In 2011, the Gray Panthers of Rhode Island merged with the Senior Agenda Coalition, retaining its identity as the coalition’s membership partner. Together we have been working on a campaign to build membership and identify issues. We have been doing that in partnership with the Rhode Island Organizing Project (RIOP), a coalition of 15 organizations that helps mobilize people to improve their communities. It has won victories for funding after-school programs, improving neighborhoods, producing affordable housing and most recently securing shelter for homeless persons in Woonsocket.

Try personal approach with politicians

Thursday, January 05, 2012 9:07:06 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

The Senior Agenda Coalition frequently urges people to contact their elected officials about issues important to older adults. But as we talk with people, we realize that many folks don’t know their state senator and representative, and that even if they do, they often are reluctant to “bother them.”

Older women face many challenges

Saturday, December 03, 2011 9:20:54 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

Women live on average 2.7 years longer than men -- 84.9 years versus 82.2 years. However, those “bonus years” can be a very mixed blessing for many women. A recent report, “Older Women in Rhode Island: A Portrait, authored by Senior Agenda Coalition long-term care consultant Maureen Maigret, points out those women are more likely to be living alone and in need of long-term care. In addition, two-thirds of older caregivers are women who are caring for older parents, spouses or grandchildren.

Baby boomers urged to back social programs

Sunday, October 30, 2011 9:27:34 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

Maggie Kuhn, who founded the Gray Panthers in 1970, is remembered by many as a community organizer and activist. But she was more than that. As I learned at a recent conference, she is also recognized as perhaps the first “radical gerontologist.” After being forced to retire at age 65 from her position in the national office of the Presbyterian Church, Maggie took action.

Expo to stress economic security

Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:41:50 AM by Administrator Account

On the Senior Agenda by William F. Flynn, Jr.

With many senior-related issues such as the future of Social Security and Medicare being discussed, many of us have overlooked an equally significant issue -- the increasing proportion of seniors, particularly those older than 75, who are living in poverty. The Senior Agenda Coalition’s Fourth Annual Senior Conference and Expo scheduled for Nov. 4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick will focus on that issue through its theme of Enhancing Elder Economic Security.

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