On Our Own...Together: Independent Living for Older Americans

KUED-Channel 7, in partnership with the nation's premiere group for older Americans - AARP, has produced a live one-hour discussion/call-in program, which took place Tuesday, May 2, 2001 at 7:00 p.m., to address critical issues associated with independent living.

Featuring the insight of gerontologists, social workers, consumer advocates and, most importantly, older Utahns themselves, the program is designed to be a bridge for the elderly and their families to better understand the most common issues that undermine independent living. The panel discussion was moderated by KUED Senior Producer Ken Verdoia, who also produced the broadcast.

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"Issues of financial security, health and social connection often can mean the difference between survival and living life to its fullest," says Verdoia. "But of all the issues facing older Americans, the ability to live independently is routinely ranked by the elderly as one of their highest priorities and greatest concerns."

The program coincided with national, state and local declarations of "Independent Living Week," May 1-17, which culminated in a Salt Lake County-wide "Spring Clean-up" weekend to help older Utahns address the physical needs of their living environment.

"The most rapidly expanding segment of the national population is the age demographic associated with the retirement years (age 65 )," says Verdoia. "Of even greater importance to the social fabric of the nation is the three decade pattern of nearly-exponential growth of people over 80 years of age. Even Utah has witnessed dramatic growth in the sheer numbers of its older citizens. A population profile weighted toward youth has, at times, masked critical needs of the elderly in Utah."