When Social Security is Not Enough: Accessing Older Adult Services in Northeast Ohio

Although older adults in Cuyahoga and Geauga counties rely heavily on Social Security, retirement, and savings, many of them are still struggling to make ends meet, as 51 percent of older adults in Cuyahoga County and 40 percent of older adults in Geauga County do not have enough resources to afford their basic necessities. Moreover, Cleveland has seen an increase in the number of older adults living in poverty, 24.7 percent in 2023 compared to 20.9 percent in 2021. Even though there are programs and resources available for the older adult population, these services can be difficult to access and navigate, especially for those without Internet or transportation access, experiencing social isolation, or living with a physical disability.

Moderator Drew Maziasz of Ideastream Public Media will lead a panel of experts in a discussion on the current and emerging needs of older adults in our communities, programs designed to assist older adults and tips on navigating the service system, and policy recommendations to address the growing population of older adults living in poverty.

Panelists include:

• Orion Bell, President and CEO, Benjamin Rose
• Mark Dorony, Program Manager, United Way Services of Geauga County
• Fatima Perkins, Director of Community Outreach and Advocacy, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Join the live conversation on December 10 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.

Click here to reserve your seat!