Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, Inc (AFCBI) is a nonprofit community-based organization, led by a volunteer group of older adults, dedicated to serving adults 62 and over. AFCBI is committed to making Central Brooklyn a great neighborhood to age-in-place! Our Time Press, a proud media partner of AFCBI, reached out to the membership yesterday evening for responses to the following questions.
- Has the concept of aging changed over the years? How so?
“Years ago, people retired and, for the most part, did nothing. Nowadays, they are exploring new careers, creating art and literature, and traveling the world.”
— Selma Jackson
“As we live longer, people are more determined to stay in their homes. A whole industry has been created to support older adults to live happily and safely in their homes.”
— Donna Williams
- Growing old. What does that mean in today’s world?
“We are living longer so older adults are focused on healthy eating, exercises for balance and mobility, and staying involved with family and friends.”
— Selma Jackson - Can older people see their past young-selves in today’s Gen Z population? Do they see Hope for the Future?
“Yes we can see our younger selves in today’s Gen Z population. Because youth gives hope within itself. You think and believe you’re invincible.”
— Sandra Surita
“As I interact with my grandchildren, I am hopeful..”
— Selma Jackson
“For myself, I’m always hopeful about Gen Z population in 2024! I see many hopeful situations as attending an intergenerational event held this spring at Weeksville Heritage Center sponsored by Inspiring Minds NYC. These young people in that age group have been involved in developing programs and classes that included the areas of education, advocacy, civics, and cultural awareness. Yes, I believe communication among the age groups helps learning and development for all.”
— Sheila Cox
- What is the difference between aging now, and aging 50 years ago?
“ The Life span was shorter, and the opportunity to stay involved was limited. I call retirement PREFERMENT–I do what I want to do, and it doesn’t require me to punch a time clock. The criteria is whether it brings me joy!!”
— Selma Jackson
“When you talk about 50 years ago, technology was not thought of; people did things manually. Life was slow and compassionate, everyone had a landline and was not judged by the phone you had. Today the world is centered around the type of phone you have android vs. IPHONE. Life was easy going no stress.”
— Barbara Jackson
- Do you sense any liveliness and moments of joy since Kamala?
“ YES!!!!”
— Selma Jackson
“I see an elevated energy in the face of many people. They are more open to commenting on what is happening now.
They are experiencing this newfound freedom to smile, to be joyful, and to hug someone again, but most of all, a heavy burden was lifted because we saw hope in her face and in her stride. When VP Kamala took the job to run for President, that allowed us to feel good again.”
— Evelyn Collier
To learn more about Fort Greene Senior Council go to www.agefriendlycb.org