By Russell R. Barksdale, Jr.
My dear friend John Engel recently reflected in the Sentinel on the deep meaning behind “Why We Stay…” It’s a powerful reminder that our true legacy isn’t defined by what we gather and hold, but by what we give, by the purpose we live with and the values we instill in our children, grandchildren, and the communities we shape.
In today’s world, children are burdened by mounting pressures—academic expectations, social comparison, digital overstimulation, and the constant demand to achieve and belong. Imagine the emotional strength they could gain from being rooted in a multigenerational community grounded in resilience. This generation was shaped by hardship, with values anchored in service, dedication, and steady, quiet strength.
And yet, despite their profound contributions, far too many of our seniors quietly leave the towns they built. As retirement nears, these cherished residents whose children once filled our classrooms, libraries, and parks with vision and dedication find themselves with fewer options.
Let me say this plainly and with love: We are all aging. And we are all blessed to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Programs like Staying Put, Meals on Wheels, and Get-About were born of gratitude, designed to help our seniors remain safe and supported in the community they called home for decades. Similarly, non-profit organizations like Waveny LifeCare continue that mission, adapting to meet the growing needs of an aging population that deserves dignity, care, and belonging.
And yet, the conversation around state-controlled zoning, NIMBY, housing and development has grown increasingly divisive. Fear creates neighborly rifts where there should be unity. State intervention looms when towns fail to act. But there is another way.
By choosing to collaborate instead of litigate, by listening instead of resisting, we can craft local solutions that support both community character and economic vitality. Towns that plan for seniors, those who actively invest in age-friendly housing, transportation, and social infrastructure see real returns: not just in dollars, but in stronger communities and well prepared children.
We are on the cusp of a demographic transformation. The Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964 is reshaping what it means to grow older and retire comfortably. In many towns, seniors will soon outnumber school-aged children. This shift in demographics can also have economic benefits.
Why it matters:
• Economic Strength: Seniors bring in federal dollars through Social Security, pensions, and Medicare. They spend money locally—on dining, healthcare, culture, and leisure—supporting businesses and boosting tax revenues.
• Housing Market Vitality: Without downsizing options, seniors remain in homes they no longer need or can safely manage. This bottleneck suppresses inventory and opportunities. Thoughtfully designed housing for active adults frees up family homes and supports healthy turnover while maintaining historical knowledge and volunteerism; thereby, benefiting everyone.
• Health and Wellbeing: Isolation is dangerous, even fatal. Aging in place without support increases risks of depression, self-neglect, and medical complications. Creating communities that welcome and engage seniors promotes longer, healthier lives.
• Volunteerism and Mentorship: Seniors give back. They mentor, they organize, they serve. They lead nonprofits, sit on boards, run food pantries, and share decades of wisdom with younger generations. Their knowledge, compassion, and continuity are the heartbeat of our towns.
• Cultural Legacy: Seniors are storytellers. The keepers of local history. The ones who remember when that field became a park, or that school was first built. They tie us to our history and guide us toward a wiser, kinder future.
• Tax Base Sustainability: Seniors often pay more than their share of local taxes. Their continued presence supports schools, infrastructure, and essential services.
Imagine a town where generations live side by side—where playgrounds and walking trails are shared by toddlers and octogenarians alike. Where wisdom and energy intertwine in our libraries, community centers, and cafés. Where no one feels they must leave their town they spent a lifetime building.
Learning from our previous generations can be invaluable as they offer a wealth of wisdom, life experience, and cultural knowledge that spans decades. Their stories and lessons can teach us about resilience, hard work, and the values that shaped our families and communities. Seniors often provide perspectives that differ from modern ways of thinking, helping us appreciate how the world has changed and what has remained constant. By listening attentively, we not only preserve important traditions and family history but also strengthen our emotional bonds across generations. In a fast-paced world, their guidance can be a grounding force that reminds us of what truly matters.
Arguably, we owe it to our prior generations, our neighbors, our mentors, and one day, to ourselves. Because if we’re lucky, we’ll all become seniors. And we’ll all hope for a town that sees and celebrates our worth..
Russell R. Barksdale, Jr., PHD, MPA/MHA, FACHE is President and CEO Waveny LifeCare Network.
