You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
O L D E R R E S I D E N T S<br />
Many older people in <strong>Windy</strong> <strong>Hills</strong> are isolated.<br />
Some struggle to get out and some are caring<br />
for ill family members. The city council has<br />
identified elder outreach as a major focus area<br />
as the neighborhood ages, as 1/3 or more of<br />
the population of <strong>Windy</strong> <strong>Hills</strong> are aging. Many<br />
residents desire to age in place, defined as the<br />
ability to live in one’s own home and<br />
community safely, independently, and<br />
comfortably, regardless of age, income, or<br />
ability level.<br />
The dynamic of older residents moving out and<br />
younger people moving in seems to trouble<br />
some older residents, as they fear being<br />
displaced. This feeling is exacerbated by<br />
younger and newer residents seeming more<br />
likely to move on to another, “better”<br />
neighborhood in a few years weakening the<br />
possibility for deeper connections. Many of the<br />
older generation have been in the same homes<br />
for 30 years or more. This issue continued to<br />
come up prompting the city council to put<br />
together a packet of information to help<br />
seniors in the community age in place rather<br />
than move to assisted living. They see this as a<br />
very important part of their work.<br />
According to one resident, more people<br />
struggle financially and with “respectable” or<br />
hidden issues than might be immediately<br />
apparent. Alcoholism, borderline poverty, drug<br />
abuse are not unknown in <strong>Windy</strong> <strong>Hills</strong>, just less<br />
obvious than they might be in some<br />
neighborhoods.<br />
10