Marin Commission on Aging rep urges Ross to adopt age‑friendly lens; RPOA previews events

Diane Duda, Ross’s representative to the Marin County Commission on Aging, briefed the council on the commission’s 2023 needs‑assessment findings and urged the town to evaluate policies and projects through an age‑friendly lens.

Duda said the county’s assessment — conducted every four years — shows rising financial insecurity among older adults and increasing food insecurity: "Food insecurity increased from 8% in 2019 to 18% in 2023," she said. She also noted broad measures of economic stress: about 25% of Marin residents are below an adjusted poverty threshold discussed in the presentation and nearly half of older adults said they have difficulty living within their income. Duda said older adults are the fastest‑growing group among people experiencing homelessness nationally and urged the council to consider intergenerational programs and improved outreach to older residents.

Duda described the Age Friendly Ross task force’s calendar of activities, including a dementia‑focused breakfast at the Marin Art and Garden Center and a Valentine’s Day luncheon for residents 60 and older. The Ross Property Owners Association reported on holiday programming, a photo contest, ongoing work on Ross Common landscaping and partnership activities with the Branson School and Cedars.

Duda asked the council to "view all policies, projects, services, and communications through an age‑friendly older adult lens" and to continue supporting Age Friendly Ross by promoting social engagement and access to resources.

Provenance (selected): topicintro: presentation begins (00:11:53); topicfinish: end of presentation and RPOA report (00:35:16).