The founders of the Colorado Gerontological Society could not have imagined COVID-19 on June 8, 1980 when the official documents were delivered in the U.S. Mail, now known as snail mail, confirming the incorporation of a new organization to provide services to professionals in aging. The Society provided a forum for training, research, and advancement by creating new standards for delivery of services to older adults.
Eileen Doherty
Within a few months, The Society sponsored the first annual professional conference with more than 100 participants. By April 1982, the Society hired an Executive Director, namely, myself, Eileen Doherty. With a vision to serve, the community was invited to become members.
Today, I continue as the Executive Director. Services have expanded to 1,000’s of older adults who receive help with vision, dental and hearing grants. No stranger to policy, The Society is a key influencer at the local, state and national level, providing expert testimony, advocating for services, or sharing knowledge. The Society continues to innovate delivering service and embraces technology. Public, private and non-profit partnerships promote improved care and services.
With a small staff, services are available in all areas of the State through technology. Training and consulting services now come via websites, computers, social media, and the cloud. But you can also receive our newsletter in your mailbox or visit your local library and pick up the Colorado Senior Resource Guidebook.
The reach is deliberate – we advocate and embrace anyone age 60 and over and their family. We actively plan and seek resources to serve the entire spectrum of older adults. Visit our website and view the most recent launch of an Online Housing and Home Care Guide to help older adults, families, and service providers find information on services, prices, vacancies, and amenities.
During COVID-19, our office stayed open helping older adults, families, and those serving older adults during the most stressful time in our recent history. To meet new demands, we offer new programs, new delivery systems, and new information. We can find you a Telephone Buddy. Training programs on Zoom are now tutorials, skills based, and fun.
Planning is underway for the Salute to Seniors on August 21 and 22, 2020. Two days of virtual fun, entertainment and resources. Watch from your computer or laptop, tablet, or iPhone.
The Society is a strong voice for older adults, families and professionals. Let us know if you need help to register with the Census online, by phone or to mail in your paper form. Visit us at www.senioranswers.org or call us at 303-333-3482 or 1-855-293-6911 or 1-855-880-4777 (Spanish).
~ Eileen Doherty, MS, Executive Director teaches for Fort Hays State University. She can be contacted at 303-333-3482 or doherty001@att.net