Carteret County has a rich supply of older citizens. Whether they are lifetime citizens, long time citizens, or new citizens, they offer so much to our area. Almost anyone that has lived long enough to be called a Senior Citizen, has played a major part in the world we live in today. We owe them the opportunity to enjoy the twilight of their lives.
Providing services for our Senior Citizens does not mean to just look after the ones that can no longer supply their physical needs. It also means we need to create places for them to gather, and be with people they can relate to. We need to listen to our Senior Citizens and let them tell us what they want and need.
There are many ways we can provide our most distinguished citizens opportunities to interact with our younger citizens. Not only will this fulfill their need to continue being proactive in society, it will help teach our younger citizens many things. Including work ethics, the importance of social responsibility, and their heritage.
Often when we use the term "Senior Citizen", we think of a group of people that no longer are able or interested in outdoor activities. That stigma no longer rings true. Many Seniors are just the opposite. People in their 80's and 90's are out-doing their children. We need to look into activities for them to enjoy. Some are no longer in physical condition to enjoy some of the opportunities available. It is equally important to provide activities catered to their needs. Many of our Senior Citizens enjoy indoor activities such as indoor sports, clubs, and group meetings. There are many large organizations that offer support in those areas, and we need to attract them to Carteret County.
Along with activities like these, many of our Senior Citizens take great pleasure in volunteering in an array of different areas. Some of these areas include, health care, assisting fellow seniors, education, ministry, and historical events. We need to look into ways to open more doors for them and make it easier for them to be involved.
There has always been a need for health care, transportation, home care and social activities for our Senior Citizens, and the need will continue to be there. The services that are currently available, are not able to supply all of these needs. As your County Commissioner, I vow to listen to our Senior Citizens, and work to incorporate the services and opportunities they need to live life to it's fullest.
