Kent County is changing, and the Commission on Aging believes it is time to pay closer attention to what that means for one of the largest and most important parts of our community: our older residents.
The Kent County Commission on Aging is a county-appointed advisory and advocacy board whose role is to help ensure that the needs of older adults are reflected in decisions affecting our community. We advise local and state government on issues affecting older adults and advocate for improvements that support their well-being, rights, independence and quality of life.
Today, approximately 30% of Kent County residents are age 65 or older. That is nearly one in every three people who live here. Our demographics are changing in other ways as well, with younger age groups declining while the number of older residents continues to grow. The Census tells us more than how many people live here. It helps us understand who our community is becoming.
That matters.
The recent discussion and decision surrounding a new middle school is a good example of Kent County thinking seriously about its future. We need to attract and retain families with children, and we need a community where people of different generations can live, work and thrive. Kent County already has many of the qualities that make that possible: our natural resources, our communities, our agricultural heritage and the people who choose to call this place home.
But planning for the future also means understanding the people who are here today.
Older residents are homeowners, taxpayers, voters, volunteers, caregivers, employers, business owners, community leaders and neighbors. They contribute to the life of this county in countless ways. Many have lived here for decades; others have chosen Kent County as the place where they want to spend their retirement years.
Our county also has limited resources. As a small, rural community, we need to be creative in how we address the needs of our residents. We need to make good use of the resources we already have and look for solutions that strengthen our communities and benefit people across generations.
The Commission on Aging has an important role in that conversation.
Kent County is fortunate to have many organizations and agencies already doing excellent work on behalf of older adults. The Commission does not intend to duplicate that work. Our role is to identify needs and opportunities, advise government on issues affecting older residents, and provide an independent voice in support of the well-being, rights, independence and quality of life of older adults.
We also want to work with the County Commissioners and with the many organizations already serving our older residents. We welcome the opportunity to build those relationships with our current County Commissioners and with those who seek to serve on the Commission in the future.
Improving the quality of life for older residents benefits more than older residents. The communities, services and connections that help people age well also contribute to the strength and quality of life of Kent County as a whole.
The Commission on Aging looks forward to being a stronger voice for older residents and to working collaboratively with our County Commissioners as we plan for the future of this community—one that recognizes and values every generation that calls Kent County home.
Nensi Fiorenini
Chair, Kent County Commission on Aging
Kent County Government Center
400 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
