In this country over 5,000 people turn 65 everyday. Many of these younger seniors are facing issues unlike ever before. This sandwich generation is trying to plan for their retirement, helping their parents make decisions regarding the services they need, and are still helping their children and grandchildren. Unlike previous generations many of these baby boomers do not have pension plans like their parents and are facing a maze of issues, options, and decisions.

One local group has taken on this mission of helping seniors and their families get the information they need. Aging in Place week in Vermont takes place from Monday, September 25th until Saturday, September 30th at locations throughout Chittenden and Lamoille counties. According to Scott Funk, Aging in Place Advocate, this week “celebrates the resources that are available to us as we age and the idea is to help people have a better quality experience wherever they choose to grow older. It is a holistic approach to aging.”

Kicking off the week is a 50+ Job Fair that aims to help seniors learn how to write a modern day resume and how to search for jobs online. Many local businesses will be there recruiting for employees including but not limited to: Brugger’s, CCTA, Chittenden Bank, City of Burlington, Home Depot, Home Instead Senior Care, Priority Express, UPS, VNA, and VSAC. For a complete list of employers call the Vermont Department of Labor in Burlington.

In addition to job opportunities for seniors AIP week offers healthy living tips with Brian Rich at the Sports & Fitness Edge in Essex Jct. To reserve your spot at this free luncheon call 879-7734 X164.

The highlight of the week is the AIP Information Fair on Saturday September 30th at the St. Vianney Parish Hall in South Burlington. Over 25 agencies and service providers will have booths and offer information on services to help seniors be able to make choices regarding where they live and what options they have. According to Funk, “the hope is to make the information available so that the adult children of seniors can come to one place and get lots of information.” This event is free and open to the public. Agencies and service providers will be available to answer questions regarding the whole spectrum of senior issues. Some of the organizations that will be at the fair include COVE, the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, PACE, RSVP, Cathedral Square, HomeShare, AARP, Vermont 2-1-1, the Alzheimer’s Association, DAIL, Fletcher Allen ElderCare, Armistead Caregiving, Burlington Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Mortgage Financial, Inc.

In addition a number of workshops and panels will be open to the public to discuss depression, driving concerns as we age, finances, housing options, long-term care, and quality of life issues. Another Senior Resource Fair will be offered in Morrisville on Tuesday, September 26th.

Aging in Place is a national celebration of helping seniors make choices and find resources to allow them to be able to have a high quality of life and live in the surroundings of their choice. As Funk explains “ the best you can possibly do is to grow older and the more you know about aging the more you will find there is a lot of support out there.”

Aging in Place Week - flyer

Monday, September 25th
50+ Job Fair 9:30-2:30
Vermont Department of Labor on Pearl Street, Burlington

Tuesday, September 26th
Senior Resource Fair 4-7pm
Morrisville Senior Center

Wednesday, September 27
“Staying Healthy” luncheon by Brian Rich
Sports & Fitness Edge in Essex Jct

Saturday, September 30th
Aging In Place Information Fair
9:30-3pm
St. John Vianney Parish Hall
South Burlington

For more information on AIP week call 866-342-2035

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.