Senior Center for CH?
As you may know, Cottonwood Heights has no senior center. Residents can access nearby Sandy or Millcreek senior facilities but, for most, that would require a drive and leaving one’s immediate community. On the campaign trail, the subject came up a number of times. I pledged that I would look into what can be done about a senior center for Cottonwood Heights..
I brought this subject up with the council and with the prospective developers of the Hillside Plaza redevelopment. Cottonwood Heights is in the process of developing a new General Plan. Should a senior center be included? Where?
What would you like to see? Are you a senior? Do you have senior loved ones? What do they want?
After four years of elder care for my mother before she died in 2017, I believe she would have benefitted from a greater sense of community, acknowledgement for her life contributions and multi-generational camaraderie. Her life within an independent senior living apartment complex became sterile, the food bland and being surrounded by only older, ailing folks depressing. I’d like to see Cottonwood Heights innovate the way we develop our inclusivity and connectivity, and I’m not just talking walkability.
How can we show our appreciation of the older generations of women and men, and revere them through recognition, engagement and a prominent place in our society?
In “Listening is an Act of Love”, the author expresses that the greatest gift that one can show to another is the gift of active listening. This takes time, patience, and empathy. There are techniques utilizing words and body language to show that we are hearing and attempting to understand. An extremely thoughtful approach to developing a senior center is less about “big and fancy” than about “inclusive and viable for both active and sedentary seniors.”
Things like locating a senior activities area within a broader complex including things like childcare, community gardens, light groceries, “nutritious & delicious informal cafeteria-style cafe” where a teen could grab something at affordable pricing, seniors for free, and they might sit at the same table and get to know each other, get help with their homework or play a game of dominoes together. These lounge areas can support musical or other shared pursuits and interests, organized or spontaneous.
Mayor Weichers brought up the senior center subject recently during a meeting with Salt Lake County officials. Let’s see what level of support Salt Lake County can/will offer.
In community, Ellen Birrell
PS Be sure to keep an eye on www.cottonwoodheightstomorrow.org for new information gleaned from public input at the March 8th General Plan Open House.
