The Importance of Our Senior Residents

Valuing Our Seniors

Our senior citizens are the pillars of our community. They have spent their lives building, nurturing, and contributing to the vibrant and diverse city we call home. Their wisdom, experiences, and resilience have shaped our neighborhoods, institutions, and culture. It is our duty to honor their legacy by ensuring they live with the dignity, respect, and support they deserve. As we look to the future, it is essential that we include our seniors in every step of our journey, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and addressing their unique needs.

Inclusion in Public Discourse

Involving our seniors in public discourse is not just a matter of respect but a crucial aspect of building a more inclusive community. We recognize that attending public meetings or navigating modern technology like Zoom can be challenging for some of our seniors. Therefore, it is our responsibility to find innovative and accessible ways to ensure their voices are heard. Whether through in-person visits, phone calls, senior citizen town hall meetings, or simplified digital platforms, we are committed to making every effort to reach out and include our senior citizens in discussions and city planning initiatives.

Addressing Senior Concerns

Public safety and violence are significant concerns for our seniors. We are dedicated to creating a safe and secure environment where they can live without fear. Our efforts include enhancing neighborhood safety measures and ensuring that our public safety policies are sensitive to the needs of older adults.

As we continue to develop our bicycle infrastructure, we must be mindful of its impact on seniors who still rely on cars for transportation. Home health aides, who provide essential services to our seniors, also need parking near their clients in order to perform their duties effectively. 

Avoiding Scams and Fraud. We must also be more vigilant in protecting our seniors from scams and fraudulent schemes. Older adults are often targeted by scammers, and it's our responsibility to educate, inform, and provide the necessary resources to help seniors identify and avoid these threats. Working with law enforcement, community organizations, and public outreach programs, we will make concerted efforts to prevent seniors from becoming victims of fraud.

Helping with Snow Removal. During the winter months, snow and ice create serious mobility challenges for our senior community. We must find effective ways to help seniors clear snow from their properties, whether through volunteer programs, city-provided services, or partnerships with local organizations. Ensuring that seniors can safely leave their homes is essential for their well-being, health, and social engagement. For additional winter storm resources, visit www.cambridgema.gov/Snow.

Safe Sidewalks. Safe and accessible sidewalks are vital for seniors to navigate their neighborhoods. Cracked, uneven, or obstructed sidewalks pose serious fall risks. We must prioritize regular sidewalk maintenance and repair, ensuring that seniors can move freely and safely. Collaborating with city services to identify problem areas and expedite repairs will make our community more inclusive for seniors and others with mobility challenges.

Resources for Seniors

We encourage our senior citizens to take advantage of the resources available to them. The Cambridge Council on Aging is dedicated to supporting seniors through various programs and services. Additionally, Massachusetts Senior Action and Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services offer valuable assistance and advocacy for seniors. These organizations are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents and ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

For more information and to access these resources, please visit the following links:

• Cambridge Council on Aging
• Massachusetts Senior Action
• Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services

Our commitment to our senior citizens is unwavering. By working together, we can ensure that they remain integral and cherished members of our community.