On Friday, Jan. 14, a letter to the editor from CEO Teresa Barry was published in The Repository, the daily paper in Canton. We're posting it here because of the importance and relevance of the topic.
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Seniors will need all the help they can get in coming years
Recent figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau reveal a shocking economic reality for seniors in our country.
A new formula that takes into account out-of-pocket medical expenses indicates that one in six people age 65 and older—16 percent—are living in poverty. Even Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits can’t offset the devastating financial impact being felt by older Americans.
This is a major issue that is only going to become more serious in the years ahead. Record numbers of people are about to enter their retirement years as the Baby Boomer generation ages. The strain on entitlement programs and our health care system, already great, will continue to snowball.We must not look away while our parents and grandparents struggle with the new economic realities. There are many resources available to assist older Americans, particularly those who are disabled or homebound.
As a community, we need to be aware of the issues facing our seniors, and ready to lend a hand wherever possible. We should also raise these issues with our state and federal representatives, to insist that they provide the means for older Americans to continue to live with dignity.
TERESA L. BARRY, MASSILLON
CEO, MEALS ON WHEELS
OF STARK & WAYNE COUNTIES
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The letter stirred interest in media circles; following its publication, Terri was invited on the "Golden Opportunities" television program in Cleveland to talk about the issues it addressed with host Armand Budish, who is also the minority leader in the Ohio House of Representatives.
