All Posts in "Food, People"

69 years of government service come to an end

Two longtime leaders of King County government made 2024 their swan songs.

The end of the year saw Christie True retire as director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, an agency she worked in for 39 years. And Jeanne Kohl-Welles stepped down from the County Council, ending 30 years in public office.

True started her career at King County in 1984 as a water-quality technician, advancing to become director of the Wastewater Treatment Division, the largest of the department’s four divisions. County Executive Dow Constantine appointed her as the department’s director in 2010.

During her time at the helm, tje county parks system expanded to include 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 30,000 acres of open space. And the natural resources division developed the region’s first-ever strategies for dealing with extreme heat and reducing the risk of wildfires.

True “has consistently reinforced King County’s reputation as a leading and trusted environmental steward,” Constantine said. “Her integrity and leadership have helped King County make good on our steadfast commitment to protect and restore this place we love.”

True expressed gratitude for what she called “an extraordinary privilege to spend an entire career advancing a mission you believe in and working alongside people you trust.”

Kohl-Welles chose not seek re-election in last November’s election to the council. Her district, which she represented since 2016, covers parts of Seattle.

Before her council time, she served in the Legislature from 1992 to 2015, first as a representative and later as a senator for the 36th Legislative District.

The Senior Scene by — February 7, 2024 in Food, People
Happy for their furry friends

Some members of Southeast Seattle Senior Center were among recent recipients of free pet food from Seattle Humane’s Pet Food Bank. Since starting in 1983 with 15 volunteers and a $500 donation, the pet food bank has expanded to the point of delivering more than 1 million meals for 23,000-plus clients in just the past 12 months. More information, including how to support the program with donations, is at seattlehumane.org and 425-649-7566.

The Senior Scene by — January 24, 2024 in Food, People
Reducing loneliness, one Senior Friend at a time

Social isolation is a term we’ve all become familiar with over the last three years. While lifting COVID-19 restrictions on gathering together has opened doors for some, others struggle with isolation, particularly older adults. In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called attention to what he called the nation’s public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection. He emphasized the importance of social connection and community.

According to the Murthy, the health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent higher risk of stroke, and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia. Additionally, lacking social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60 percent, and social isolation contributes substantially to mental health challenges. 

MultiCare Celebrate Seniority, based in Puyallup, is helping address the issue of senior social isolation through its involvement with Senior Friends, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The program operated by LCSN, a non-profit social services agency that has several senior-oriented services, matches volunteers with lonely or socially isolated older adults throughout Pierce County.

Volunteers, also known as Friends, give their time to offer companionship to someone who otherwise may feel left out and alone. Friends provide opportunities to take walks, go for drives, and run errands, among other activities.

A Friends volunteer commits to 100 hours of service, with a weekly visit either in-person for two to four hours or a phone call to check in. Volunteers must be at least 21, pass a background check and interview, provide references, and be willing to take part in training.

Seniors looking to have a Friend visit them can complete an intake form. After the match of Friend and Senior is confirmed, they begin their regular visits. 

As a future participant shared, “The opportunity to have someone come and visit me or call will make a world of difference. Since my car was stolen and I can’t afford a replacement, I must use a rideshare company to get to the doctor or anywhere. Having someone who might be willing to take me would be a blessing.”

More information is available from Senior Friends at 253-722-5682 or Celebrate Seniority at 253-697-3005.

The Senior Scene by — January 10, 2024 in Food, People

By Roger Least

The much-buzzed-about “silver tsunami” poses major opportunities for the senior-living industry. In 2022, the U.S. assisted-living market size was valued at $91 billion and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2023 to 2030. From a population standpoint, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 75 to 84 age group made up roughly 14 million (29 percent) of the senior population in 2016, which is more than double the number and proportion of those 85 and older. Around 27 percent of the population is between 75 and 84.

In short, the senior-living Industry is positioned for notable growth as it welcomes the Baby Boomer generation into communities. With this comes a shift in thinking, consumption, and lifestyle.

As the corporate dining director at Brightview Senior Living, a company of independent and assisted-living communities in eight East Coast states, I oversee the dining experience at all 46 communities.. I work with teams who are cooking in the kitchen and serving in the dining rooms to balance nostalgic food favorites with nutrient-dense options to optimize their nutrition and overall health.

We know through research that food and community go hand-in-hand: The more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives. Thus, from an overall health and socialization standpoint, the senior-living dining experience is more crucial than ever.

Hare the three senior living dining trends we’re seeing:

  1. Introducing a reservation system: We learned of the dangers of isolation during quarantine due to COVID-19. In fact, social isolation was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of dementia, according to the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Meals, particularly dinner, are often the highlight of our residents’ day. To make dining an even more enjoyable social event, we have implemented a reservation system to secure their table in advance and invite their friends to join them, We’re rolling this program out as needed in some of our communities, and so far, the response has been positive.
  2. Composting and the quest to reduce food waste: Beyond the economic benefits of eliminating food waste (as food prices continue to skyrocket), our communities are composting to promote sustainability.
    Composting nourishes soil, prompts seasonal gardening for residents, encourages residents to spend more time outdoors, and sparks conservation. This is a low-cost, high-value way to promote smarter consumption, a win-win for all.
  3. Accommodating adventurous eaters and dietary preferences: We’re seeing Boomers step outside this norm for meal options. This includes seasonal food and the option to try new cuisines. We’re projecting more gluten-free, vegetarian, and Mediterranean diet options in the coming years.

The senior-living dining experience is more than preparing three meals a da.: it’s breaking bread, connecting with others, and providing a hospitality experience. As we welcome the next generation into our communities, we look forward to learning from them and catering to their needs – while maybe even getting them to try something new along the way.

The Senior Scene by — December 27, 2023 in Food, People