Douglas County has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the state, and fortunately a lot of resources for older adults, caregivers and family members. One resource, DC Senior Life which includes the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, was created to help older adults find resources, educational programs, upcoming events and opportunities to engage with their communities.

DC Senior Life offers residents ways to become active politically on senior issues at the state and federal level as well as to find opportunities to engage locally. One of the programs offered is Vintage and Vibrant, an annual event with relevant topics to keep seniors educated. Last year’s event, for example, focused on technology and how it enhances lives of senior adults.

Another program, The Listen Learn Act Academy (LLAA), is available through Spark the Change Colorado. The LLAA is a new co-generational program that combines senior adults, 55 and older, with 5th graders as well as community experts to address topics like social isolation and food insecurity. To learn more or to apply, visit http://www.sparkthechangecolorado.org/LLAA.

The Seniors’ Council of Douglas County promotes “Living Well / Aging Well” for senior residents which includes monthly meetings on topics and finding speakers of interest to address the community. The educational series addresses subjects like low-income, older adult housing, demonstrations of osteopathic medicine, as well as an introduction to the Douglas County Health Department. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month at varying locations.
For the meeting schedule and more information, visit https://www.douglas.co.us/community-services/services/senior-services/seniors-council/.

Also, residents can stay up to date by signing up for the Seniors’ Council newsletter, First Friday Update, which is emailed to subscribers each month.

Additionally, partnering agencies such as Aging Resources of Douglas County, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center, Parker Senior Center, Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Active Adult Programs & Services, To The Rescue and Visiting Angels offer older adults services like handyman duties or chore services, light housekeeping and yard work, homemaker assistance, personal care, reassurance calls and transportation. If interested in volunteering or to learn more, visit https://www.douglas.co.us/community-services/services/senior-services/.

One last resource: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office created a senior liaison position to address crime risk and crime prevention geared toward the elderly population. Whether a welfare check is needed, to report neglect or abuse of an older adult or to stay updated on fraud, cons and scams, residents can reach out to the senior liaison for assistance and resources. To learn more, visit https://www.dcsheriff.net/community/senior-services/.

By ViVi Somphon, photos courtesy of Douglas County Seniors’ Council