By Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC Executive Director
Many of the 370,000 people 50+ in the Oklahoma City metro know that having a good neighbor is the solution for borrowing sugar or the answer for a little help trimming a crepe myrtle or on a ladder replacing light bulbs. For others, it is getting a little assistance with an iPhone or Android device from someone who knows. Finding a trustworthy plumber, dog sitter, attorney or someone to go to the movies with is all a part of the connections available through VillagesOKC.
For the past six years, VillagesOKC has been serving the metro by developing programs and connection opportunities to empower local adults to age with vitality and purpose. With a variety of impactful initiatives, from educational workshops to veteran recognition events to caregiver support, VillagesOKC seeks to enhance the lives of older adults and their families.
Successful aging involves individuals taking personal responsibility to plan combined with community engagement. The GIFT, Gathering Information for Transitions, is another VillagesOKC program helping members learn about options, make decisions and write in a notebook for rapid access in a crisis. VillagesOKC is the one connection that unites both individual and community forces. This is important since the number of adults in Oklahoma will soon outnumber children under 18 for the first time.
The VillagesOKC mission of empowerment is founded on the transformative idea that the narrative around aging must be fundamentally redefined. Rather than viewing all seniors as dependents requiring constant support, VillagesOKC recognizes them as valuable leaders within the community. People 50 and older possess significant experience, wisdom and capabilities. This offers ongoing opportunities to lead, contribute and flourish. This shift in perspective not only enriches their lives but also strengthens the social fabric of our community.
Strategic partnerships with local organizations and businesses mean less duplication and more cooperation. VillagesOKC partnerships include Senior Living Truth Series, OKC Mature Moves, Buckelew Realty, NewView Oklahoma, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, Force50 Foundation, YMCAs of Greater Oklahoma City and YMCA Healthy Living Center, Directors Life Assurance, Providence Home Care, Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics, CompleteOK (Homecare, Palliative Care and Hospice), Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare, Senior Care Referral Services, Concordia Life Plan Community, Mercer Adams Funeral Service, Navigating Medicare as well as DHS Community Adult Living and Adult Protective Services, and the State Council on Aging. For more information about VilagesOKC call 405-990-6637 or visit
https://villagesokc.org.
