Serving Our Seniors Magazine January - March 2026

Securing the Future for Aging Well — and Ourselves The way we age is changing — and not just for you, but for your children and grandchildren. We can’t predict everything, but one thing is clear: we must be ready. Our society struggles with ageism — the tendency to dismiss older adults. The increased complexity of Medicare is proof of ageism in practice. Ageism makes it harder for older people to stay healthy and independent. That is why Serving Our Seniors created the Fund for the Future: to ensure that every older adult living in Erie County is treated with the respect they deserve and the support they need to thrive as they continue to age. Erie County’s population is shrinking, but the number of older adults, who are living longer into advanced older, age is growing. • In 2010, our population was 76,977. 60+ population 24.3% • In 2020, it dropped to 75,622. 60+ population 30.3% • By 2050, when the last baby boomer turns 86, projections show our population will fall to 60,049. 60+ population 30% This means fewer working-age people and more people of older-age. Without action, the gap between need and resources will widen. Why Your Help Matters Serving Our Seniors is the safety net for today’s Erie County boomers and those who follow. As the population shifts, costs will rise while future funding sources shrink. The Fund for the Future is our answer. It is a long-term investment that generates ongoing income every year, to make sure older adults are not left behind — today or decades from now. You Can Make the Difference The Serving Our Seniors Fund for the Future campaign has surpassed the $300,000 mark! Our goal is to raise $1 million by June 26, 2026. Thank you to all who have given so willingly. Together, we can build a community that cares for every generation, in later life. Please give generously to Serving Our Seniors Fund for the Future. Please print your name as you would like for it to appear in donor recognition materials. Name Address City State/Zip Phone Email Please make checks payable to Erie County Community Foundation, Memo: SOS Fund For Future, an endowment held at Erie County Community Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $____________ to Serving Our Seniors, Fund For The Future Campaign. I am pledging a total gift in the amount of $____________ to be paid in 2 annual payments. $____________in 2025 & $____________in 2026. ------------OR------------ 3 annual payments, $____________ in 2025, $____________ in 2026, $____________ in 2027. Signature This gift is made: In Honor of In Memory of Name Please make checks payable to: Erie County Community Foundation Memo: SOS Fund For Future Mail to: Serving Our Seniors Fund For The Future 310 Boalt St., Sandusky, OH 44870 Donations may be made on our website: www.ServingOurSeniors.org/donate For more information, please call Sue Daugherty 419-504-1177 or email SueD@servingourseniors.org THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT! Yes! I want to help Serving Our Seniors secure its ability to help people for generations to come, by donating to the 2025-2026 Fund For The Future Campaign. q q q q 18