Addresses Ageism, Other Challenges of Aging Community Members By Bette Erickson
Senior Resources of Broomfield, Inc. (SRB) works hard to advocate on behalf of the city and county’s older population and its impacts are clear. But the efforts and results of this non-profit are far more multi-dimensional. Because when you empower one segment of a community, the effects flow out to so many others. “I’m really passionate about helping seniors and I appreciate how our older residents have shaped Broomfield,” explained Kim Groom, a City Councilwoman and Broomfield native. “While there’s lots of resources for people who need assistance, sometimes our seniors are forgotten about. I think being involved in an organization that supports this population is what I like about serving on the SRB Board. Contributing to a population that has shaped our community.” Groom has been a part of the SRB Board for some five years. SRB’s important Mission Statement is: In partnership with the Broomfield Community, Senior Resources of Broomfield, Inc., (SRB) is an independent, nonprofit organization, striving to improve the quality of life for all seniors and their families through fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy, and representation of a diverse senior population to the Area Agency on Aging, and raising awareness about Broomfield’s seniors’ issues. (Source: www.broomfieldseniorresources.org) With a median age in Broomfield currently at 46.7-years old, the city’s older citizens (age 65+) make up 13.8% of the population according to the 2019 Census. And it’s a vital and active group. “I think our seniors are very engaged and they continue to contribute to our community,” Groom said. “They were active as younger residents and they model what community service is all about.” She adds, “They take care of themselves, too. I have respect for that generation.” Let’s face it, all of us are aging. However, throughout America and elsewhere in the world it appears that ageism and its attendant discrimination is a problem. Indeed, ageism it seems, is the last acceptable prejudice. As if that’s not bad enough, prejudice creates an ‘us versus them’ mentality, pitting us against each other. If you give this a little more thought, whether you are a Baby Boomer, a Gen X or a Millennial, know that practicing ageism is creating a prejudice against our own future selves. And if we’re lucky, we’ll all get to be much older adults. SRB works to bridge all those divisions, bringing Broomfield residents together whether via fundraisers or all-inclusive community events.
20
Our Broomfield™ Magazine | July 2020
Donations to SRB provide support to Broomfield seniors who need help to meet their basic and unexpected needs through: Nutritional Programs • • • •
Meals on Wheels Lunches at the Broomfield Community Center Healthy Hearts Program Blizzard Bags
Community Service Programs • • •
Support fund for medical and dental needs Handyman services Senior Highlights newsletter
Groom is not yet old enough to have earned the moniker ‘senior citizen’ but she said the reason she advocates for that demographic is because we as a community must listen to older residents, continuing to figure out how best to create an outreach program as this group grows, and how best to partner with the city to meet those needs. SRB’s role is to meet those needs, by way of fundraising for senior programs. Some of those programs include Meals on Wheels, transportation, the respite program, facilitating the medical equipment rental program and the annual Broomfield Days SRB Classic Car Show and golf tournament. To learn more about SRB, its upcoming fundraisers and community events visit www.broomfieldseniorresources.org, call 303-416-6073, or email SeniorResourcesOfBroomfield@gmail.com.
