Mike DeNunzio
California is facing a virtual geriatric tsunami. The 4 million Californians over age 65 are the largest senior population in the nation. And the fastest growing segment of these seniors is over age 85.
This unprecedented growth poses grave issues. They include:
- Euthanasia
- Security for those who outlive resources
- Availability of long-term care
- Mental health therapies
- Protection against elder abuse, which is now epidemic. (For every case of elder abuse, there are five cases that go unreported.)
A bill in the State Assembly proposes to legalize euthanasia. This issue deserves your attention.
Editors note: Mike DeNunzio is a Barbary Coaster. Under Mayor Willy Brown, he served as a Commissioner on Aging and Adult Services. He now serves on Mayor Newsom’s Council to End Chronic Homelessness. In January, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed DeNunzio to the California Commission on Aging.