Aging intimidates many and impacts all. May is Older Americans Month and seniors (people over 65) comprise 32% of residents served by Mercy Housing, that’s over 12,000 people. Understanding their needs is important to us. By 2035, seniors will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history according to the Census Bureau. Traditionally, most cultures lived their entire lives in multi-generational homes; young learned from the old, and the old gained a sense of youth from the young. It’s important to understand and embrace the process of aging as it affects every one of us.

Mercy Housing is routinely asked, ‘why so many resident services?’ Simply put — it’s better for everyone, especially seniors — helping seniors age with grace and dignity supports their continued engagement in society. Wisdom is gained and generational isolation avoided.

Della is a resident at Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Countryside Community.  When she moved into the community she enjoyed the exercise classes that were offered but wanted more for both her and her fellow residents. She organized, and now, teaches exercise classes for other residents.

“I have an aneurysm. When I don’t move the pain is worse. I’ve always been really active, it’s made me a fighter. I made fliers, talked to people, organized with Mercy Housing, and made these classes happen. I love exercise classes and wanted more people at the community to get involved. If I can’t help myself, how can I help anyone else? I like to motivate and encourage others, this is very important to me.” Della

Japan has the largest per capita senior population of any nation in the world. Watch this video to see how they’ve mastered aging within work culture: