Recently, I was speaking to a friend in Tualatin who had vaguely heard of the Tualatin Aging Task Force, but didn’t really have an idea of what it was. The group is here to advocate for the city’s senior population.
The following is how the Aging Task Force describes its mission and work:
“The Tualatin Aging Task Force is a long-standing committee of volunteers, independent of the City of Tualatin, who have come together to help make Tualatin a place for older adults to thrive. Our Mission is to ensure the highest quality of life for the diverse over-50 population of Tualatin through the access to all programs, services, and governance that support their health and well-being, and to promote independence and safety for this growing group of citizens.”
This year, the Aging Task Force worked closely with the City of Tualatin to secure a proclamation recognizing May as Older Americans Month. We also collaborated with the Public Works Department to raise awareness about the importance of keeping sidewalks clear of brush, branches, and debris, making them safer and easier to navigate for seniors and reducing tripping hazards for everyone. In response to concerns raised by local seniors about the narrow parking spaces at the Tualatin Library, we brought the issue to the city’s attention. As a result, the city agreed to widen two parking spaces to improve accessibility.
We also strive to share helpful information with the community. In that spirit, Dale Potts, who helped establish the Aging Task Force, gathered and asked that I share the following information about the Meals on Wheels home-delivery program:
“Meals on Wheels People has an important home delivery benefit for seniors, aged 60 or older. In Tualatin, it provides nutritious meals delivered to your home, and it also has programs to help seniors maintain independence, social connections and overall well-being.
There are no income limitations. Home-delivery recipients do not have to pay for their meals but are asked to contribute what they can afford. Tualatin residents in the home-delivery program receive weekly delivery of frozen meals, milk, bread, fresh fruit, high-protein snacks and desserts.
Fighting isolation is another service for this program. It includes “Friendly Chats,,” which are once-a-week telephone calls to those who are homebound and also serve as wellness checks. Another is “Friendly Tech,” which provides one hour of tech support for electronic equipment, including cell phones and computer devices. These are set up to help you maintain contact with friends and family. To find out if you are eligible for any of these programs, call 503 953-8111. Staff is available Mondays through Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm.”
The Aging Task Force works to stay informed about the issues that matter most to Tualatin seniors, including housing, transportation, affordability, and safety, as well as the everyday challenges that can make a big difference in daily life. We’re especially fortunate that Mayor Frank Bubenik is a committee member and keeps us informed about current issues and city initiatives.
What concerns do you have for Tualatin seniors? Do you have ideas that could help make Tualatin an even better place to grow older? Your ideas don’t have to be big or groundbreaking. Small changes can have a meaningful impact, too. I’m happy to share your thoughts with the Aging Task Force, and we look forward to hearing from you. You matter!
