Seniors
Senior citizens are important to Columbia’s quality of life. The City of Columbia supports a variety of programs that provide services to older citizens.
Several programs are available to older residents in Columbia: The Monroe County YMCA offers a variety of recreation programs that promote health and wellness through their Active Older Adults (AOA) program. Contact Beth Dodson at 618-281-9622 for more information.
Alzheimer Support (https://www.alzheimersupport.com/memory-care/illinois/) is a free service that assists Columbia families who have loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Through the free search tool and database of Alzheimer's care facilities, families in need of care for their loved ones can locate licensed care homes and communities in the Columbia area that are best equipped to provide care for their loved ones.
Economic Opportunity Council
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council offers a variety of regular activities, including meals, speakers and special events, through the Columbia Senior Center. Contact the Center, 618-281-7414 or visit their website for more information.
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council also administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) in Jackson, Monroe, Perry, and Randolph Counties.
Review of Senior Services
Increased life expectancy is resulting in record numbers of people aged 65 and older. While this age group represented only 13% of the U.S. population in 2000, it will comprise about 21% of the population in 2030. The group expected to grow most rapidly in the next 30 years is the one aged 85 years and older. What does this demographic shift mean for Columbia in the future?
Members of the Columbia Plan Commission recently undertook a community assessment to focus upon the Columbia community and its readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. Columbia was one of eight local communities in the Metro East that used assessment tools provided by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois.